Trust failed to diagnose and treat stroke

Summary 384 |

Mr K complained that his wife had suffered a stroke, but the Trust diagnosed that she had suffered a transient ischaemic attack (symptoms of a stroke that last less than 24 hours). He was concerned that, because of this misdiagnosis, his wife did not receive any treatment for her stroke, or support when she got home.


What happened

Mrs K went to hospital and was diagnosed in the emergency department as having suffered a transient ischaemic attack. She was discharged and given an outpatient appointment a month later. Mrs K subsequently died, but not as a result of the care provided.

What we found

Mrs K was incorrectly diagnosed with a transient ischaemic attack as she had had a stroke and should not have been discharged home. She did not receive appropriate care and support.

Putting it right

The Trust apologised for the injustice caused by the failings we identified and paid Mr K £1,000 in recognition of his distress.

It produced an action plan to prevent the same thing happening again.

Health or Parliamentary
Health
Organisations we investigated

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Location

East Sussex

Complainants' concerns ?

Came to an unsound decision

Did not apologise properly or do enough to put things right

Result

Apology

Compensation for non-financial loss

Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan