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Health Board criticised after death of 92 year-old man

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales has criticised the treatment of a 92 year-old man who died after contracting an infection.

A report says Evan Jones had undergone a total hip replacement after a fall at home and was subsequently discharged to County Hospital near Pontypool for rehabilitation.

A complaint was made by his son, Brian, that staff at the hospital failed to identify, manage and treat his father’s post-operative infection or arrange for his transfer back to the District General Hospital, for treatment, appropriately.

It’s deeply concerning that despite the patient’s son and nursing staff raising issues, both the Doctor and a Tissue Viability Nurse seemed to be unaware of appropriate best practice.

Had (Mr Jones’) infection been successfully addressed, (Mr Jones) may not have developed the subsequent pneumonia which lead to his death, and this is a heart-breaking injustice for the family of the patient.

– NICK BENNET, PUBLIC SERVICES OMBUDSMAN FOR WALES

The Health Board has agreed to a number of recommendations including an apology and compensation to Mr Jones.

We unreservedly apologise for the failings identified in the Ombudsman for Wales Report..

We accept the report’s findings and its recommendations including the financial compensation. Since this case was brought to our attention we have made the necessary improvements to ensure that this does not happen again and are finalising a detailed action plan which sets out the further actions we will take to meet the recommendations outlined in the Ombudsman’s report. The implementation of these actions will be monitored and shared with the Ombudsman.

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