Clinical treatment in hospital : Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Mrs Y complained about the care and treatment provided to her late husband, Mr Y, at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr (“the Hospital”) between 18 January and 5 February 2021 when he sadly died. The investigation considered whether there was a failure to provide appropriate levels of care in relation to hydration, nutrition and medication administration; whether there was a delay in administering antibiotics on 23 January when sepsis was documented as suspected, and again on 1 and 2 February following difficulties re-cannulating Mr Y; whether the administration of anticipatory medicine was clinically appropriate and whether communication with Mrs Y, when she was unable to visit Mr Y due to COVID-19 restrictions, was appropriate.

The Ombudsman found that Mr Y received appropriate levels of care in relation to hydration, nutrition and medication. She found that there was no delay in administering antibiotics on 23 January (sepsis was not present), and whilst there was a delay on 1 and 2 February due to difficulties cannulating Mr Y, there was no undue negative impact on Mr Y from missing 2 doses of antibiotics. The Ombudsman found that it was clinically appropriate to administer anticipatory medication and that the level of communication and explanations provided to Mrs Y about Mr Y’s condition were appropriate. The Ombudsman did not uphold Mrs Y’s complaints.