Report Date

03/15/2024

Case Against

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Subject

Clinical treatment in hospital

Case Reference Number

202200680

Outcome

Not Upheld

Mrs C complained about the standard of care provided to her stepfather, Mr A, at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Llandudno General Hospital. Specifically she complained that Mr A was not given prescribed antibiotic medication on 15 April and should not have been discharged from hospital on 19 April. She also complained about inadequate equipment on discharge, and lack of physiotherapy input when Mr A was finally discharged home.

Based on medical advice following review of the clinical records, the investigation concluded that there was no indication that Mr A was suffering from a UTI which required antibiotic treatment on 15 April, in line with NICE guidance. Therefore, whilst there was an administrative failing which meant that Mr A’s medical records were not transferred with him after 15 April, and so the antibiotic medication was not administered, this did not result in any detriment to him. Mr A should have been formally reviewed by a doctor prior to his discharge on 19 April and it was a failing that he was not. However, as stated above, as there was no indication that he was suffering from a UTI and required antibiotic treatment, Mr A’s discharge was clinically reasonable. The occupational therapy assessments completed prior to discharge, and the equipment provided, were reasonable. The investigation noted that, whilst Mr A was not referred for community physiotherapy when he was discharged home in May, he received ongoing occupational therapy care after his discharge and had relevant physiotherapy exercises to progress his functioning at home. The investigation did not uphold the complaints.