NHS Highland to apologise to man for a lack of communication over patient transfer south of the border
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A relative of a woman in an NHS Highland hospital has received an apology for lack of communication.
The man, who has not been named, had complained that NHS Highland did not follow procedures when he wanted to move his mum to a care home in England.
The Scottish Public Service Ombudsman (SPSO) reviewed the case and found fault with the health board.
In its report published this week the SPSO said: “Mr C complained that the board failed to follow relevant procedures for moving his mother-in-law (Mrs A) from a hospital in Scotland to a residential care home in England.
“We took independent advice from a social worker.
“We found that there are three contractual routes available and that the board entered into an arrangement known as ‘Route 2’ without giving Mr C a choice about the contractual route he wished to take.
“This was contrary to the guidance that was in place at the time of events and we upheld this aspect of Mr C’s complaint.
“Mr C also complained that the board failed to communicate reasonably with him about the process of moving Mrs A to a residential care home in England. We found that there was no clear communication with Mr C about the process for a cross-border placement, the contractual requirements, or transport arrangements.
“We upheld this aspect of Mr C’s complaint.”
A spokesman for SPSO said NHS Highland had to apologise to Mr C for its failings to clearly communicate the process involved in moving his mother-in-law across the border.
