Multiple failures in nursing care of older patient

What happened

Mr B was admitted to hospital with suspected pneumonia in 2011. He spent three weeks in hospital. While he was there he ate and drank very little and developed a pressure ulcer.

Despite tests showing he had MRSA, nothing was done about this for almost two weeks. His son, who visited him at hospital, said he witnessed a nurse giving his father medicine without first checking his identity and handling his tablets without gloves or first washing her hands.

What we found

Nurses did not monitor Mr B's eating and drinking properly or give him the support he needed. Mr B's pressure ulcer became worse during his time in hospital, and nurses did not seek specialist help with this when they should have done. Ward staff repeatedly failed to check Mr B's MRSA test results and a nurse did not follow proper procedure when giving Mr B his tablets.

The Trust's response to Mr B's son's complaint was delayed and did not address all of his concerns.

Putting it right

The Trust has acknowledged and apologised for its failings and has put together an action plan to show how it will prevent these failings happening again. Mr B's son has also received £1,000 compensation.