Mr M complained about the Trust's failure to properly care for his mother, who died from complications associated with a bleeding stomach ulcer.
What happened
In late 2012, Mr M's mother, Mrs M, was admitted to the Trust with a urinary tract infection. Mrs M's condition deteriorated during her admission, and staff found she had a gastric bleed from stomach ulcers.
Clinicians decided that Mrs M would not survive surgery, and so continued to treat her conservatively. She died in hospital early the next month.
What we found
Mr M raised several issues about Mrs M's care and treatment. We did not uphold Mr M's concerns about delays in finding Mrs M a bed when she was admitted to the Trust, the impact of a fall she suffered, and her medication.
However, it was likely that staff did not help Mrs M with her personal care or when she was eating. The decision to transfer Mrs M from the high dependency unit to an open ward the night before she died was inappropriate, and the Trust did not give her family the opportunity to say their goodbyes to their mother in private after her death. In addition, communication about Mrs M's end of life care was poor.
These failings did not contribute to Mrs M's death from a gastric bleed. However, they caused Mrs M and her family unnecessary distress.
Putting it right
After our report, the Trust apologised for what it had got wrong. It agreed to put together an action plan to show that it had learnt from its mistakes.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Nottinghamshire
Not applicable
Apology
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan