Lack of clarity about loss of jewellery

What happened

Mr A was admitted to hospital and died shortly afterwards. Mrs A was unable to see him before he died, but arrived soon afterwards. She is sure that he was wearing two gold rings, of sentimental value, and that she told the nurse that she would like them to remain on her husband's body for the funeral. The rings went missing. Mrs A complained about the Trust's failure to take care of the jewellery and the distress of having to pursue the matter at such a time.

What we found

The Trust did not follow its own policy and the relevant NHS guidance about safeguarding property. While there were differing accounts of the events, the Trust acknowledged its failure to provide evidence about what happened to the rings. The failure meant that Mrs A had to organise her husband's funeral without knowing what had happened to his jewellery. We saw that the Trust had already taken steps to remedy its deficiencies and was putting changes in place which we would have recommended.

Putting it right

The Trust apologised to Mrs A for the distress caused by its failings and paid her £1,000.