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.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
East Sussex
Came to an unsound decision
Did not apologise properly or do enough to put things right
Apology
Compensation for non-financial loss
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan