Mr H received some poor care and treatment, including being given Senna (a laxative) when he had diarrhoea. His wife complained about poor nursing care and a lack of documentation about the care given.
What happened
Mr H had prostate cancer and other conditions for which he was treated in hospital for ten months. During that time staff gave him a laxative for 38 days despite his wife raising concerns with staff about his diarrhoea. She also raised concerns about poor nursing care, including nutrition and personal hygiene. Mr H died soon after he was discharged. Mrs H said that her husband would have survived if he had had better care and treatment.
What we found
We partly upheld Mrs H's complaint.
Prescribing Senna to a patient with diarrhoea for over five weeks was a serious clinical failing. We could not say for sure that Senna could have worsened Mr H's condition, but the uncertainty was an injustice to Mrs H. We also found that nursing care was either not adequate, or had not been adequately recorded in the notes.
Putting it right
The Trust apologised to Mrs H. In line with our recommendations, it agreed to audit the remedial actions it had earlier said it would take to address the drug error. It also took steps to improve its record keeping and to make sure that patients receive appropriate personal care, nutrition and hydration.
Barts Health NHS Trust
Greater London
Did not take sufficient steps to improve service
Apology
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan