A PERSON died after their treatment plan and diagnosis was based on incorrect medical records.
The unnamed patient was admitted to an NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) hospital with dizziness and pain in their hip and leg.
An investigation into recent blood loss found no issues and staff planned to discharge the person. However, due to further bleeding, they required emergency surgery.
The operation was successful, but a further procedure was then required to remove a section of their bowel.
Due to further changes in their condition, they were moved to palliative care.
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The person’s child complained to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) about the care and treatment their loved one received.
An investigation by the SPSO found the patient’s medical history was recorded incorrectly by staff, affecting the treatment plan, investigations, and diagnosis.
It was found that their operations were carried out reasonably, however, the surgical team failed to examine them in person when consulted which was unreasonable.
And overall, it was considered that the care and treatment provided to the patient was unreasonable.
NHS GGC has now been asked to apologise for the failure to take accurate medical history on admission, the missed opportunity to identify the correct diagnosis during their review of the patient, the failure to consider a diagnosis earlier, and the failure of the surgery team to review the patient in-person following the CT scan findings.
Several recommendations have been put to the health board for the future.
An NHS GGC spokesperson said: “For reasons of patient confidentiality, we cannot comment on individual cases, however, we would like to apologise to the family of the patient involved and we send our deepest sympathies.
“We would like to apologise for the failings outlined by the SPSO and reassurance to the public that NHS GGC is working to meet all the requirements made by the SPSO and to ensure that organisational learning and improvements in the care which we offer our patients.”
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