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Selected Investigations Completed April - September 1999 > Part I, Case no. E.1635/98-99

Chapter 1: Hospital, Community Health and Ambulance Trusts

Case No. E.1635/98-99 - Pysiotherapist's alleged lack of care when walking a patient

Summary of case

On 2 April 1998, Mrs C, Mrs P's mother, fell while she was using a walking frame under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Mrs C was admitted into hospital where she died on 3 April. Mrs P complained to the Trust about the actions of the physiotherapist. She later requested an independent review of her complaint which was refused.

Findings

The Ombudsman found that the physiotherapist's level of skill and experience were sufficient to the situation; and that he acted appropriately when he walked Mrs C on 2 April 1998 and in accordance with his knowledge of her capabilities and a Trust protocol entitled "Therapeutic walking of patients" which was in force at the time. The evidence pointed to an unfortunate accident. The complaint was not upheld.

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Last updated: 9 January 2006