Trust did not record patient's wedding ring carefully

What happened

Trust staff admitted Mrs A through A&E. Her son, Mr C, complained that her wedding ring had gone missing when he saw her on the ward. The Trust offered 50% of the replacement value of the ring but said that there was no evidence that Mrs A had arrived at hospital wearing it.

What we found

The Trust failed to follow its own process and the NHS guidelines on the care and recording of property brought into hospital. The guidance makes it clear that a patient does not have to prove that an organisation has been negligent, but the organisation must show it took all reasonable care of such items.

This led to an injustice to Mrs A, who was unable to prove beyond doubt that her property was lost while she was in the Trust's care.

Putting it right

The Trust apologised to Mrs A and Mr C for the distress caused by its failings and paid £975 (the lower estimate of replacement value). It will implement its patient property policy (already underway) and set up a training programme to ensure compliance.