NHS apologises to widow after spouse dies from heart failure

NHS Dumfries and Galloway has apologised to a widow after their partner died from heart failure.

The widow made a complaint to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) about the care and treatment provided to their late spouse.

The watchdog found that some clinical aspects of the patient’s care were reasonable, but that the health board’s communication was not.

The SPSO decision said there were communication problems related to a prescription for the patient’s heart medication, an echocardiogram, and a possible referral to a specialist heart failure service.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway was asked to apologise to the patient’s widow for its failures.

The health board was also told that discussions and outcomes from multi-disciplinary team meetings should be clearly documented in medical records and patient notes.

A spokesperson for NHS Dumfries and Galloway said: “As ever, NHS Dumfries and Galloway cannot comment on individual cases. However, it can confirm that it has acted on all recommendations made by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.

“Anyone with a concern or complaint is encouraged to contact the Patient Experience Team.”