Latest news with #NHSAyrshireandArran
The Herald Scotland
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Health board apology after patient's death following hip op
The Ombudsman's report stated that the patient had surgery for the fracture but was diagnosed with a number of illnesses while in hospital and subsequently died. The Ombudsman backed the family's criticism of nursing care as well as the way the complaint was handled by the health board. But issues raised about the medical care received were not upheld. READ MORE: Following an independent review by a nursing adviser and a consultant geriatrician, the Ombudsman identified shortcomings in several areas of nursing care. These included failures in nutrition, pressure sore care, person-centred care planning, and documentation, all upheld by the Ombudsman. The medical treatment provided was deemed generally reasonable, and this part of the complaint was not upheld. However, feedback was issued to the board regarding the initiation of oral nutrition supplements, in line with the Scottish Hip Fracture Guidance. The Ombudsman also found delays in how NHS Ayrshire and Arran responded to the family's complaint and noted that not all concerns raised were fully addressed. Although the board had acknowledged these issues and taken action to address them, this part of the complaint was also upheld. The SPSO has asked NHS Ayrshire and Arran to apologise to the family for both the failings in nursing care and the handling of their complaint. The apology must meet the standards set out in the Ombudsman's guidance. To prevent similar failings in future, the Ombudsman recommended improvements including: Timely and accurate assessments for pressure sore risks and care; Prompt and repeated malnutrition screening with properly completed food charts; Person-centred care planning with consistent and supporting documentation. Jennifer Wilson, NHS Ayrshire and Arran nurse director, said: 'I am sorry that we did not meet the high standards of care that we strive for within NHS Ayrshire and Arran for this patient and offer my deepest condolences to their family. "The board fully accepts the recommendations in the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) report. "We have issued a formal apology to the family of [the patient] and are working through the recommendations highlighted in the SPSO report. "To ensure learning across the organisation, we will share the findings from the report with staff and seek assurance from our teams that the necessary actions have been completed.'
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Adults unable to be diagnosed with ADHD or autism in Ayrshire as MSP blasts 'postcode lottery'
NHS Ayrshire and Arran has said that it is 'unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments' for adults. Adults in Ayrshire are unable to obtain a diagnosis for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or autism as the area's health board doesn't have a 'specialist neurodevelopmental diagnostic service'. Following a freedom of information request, NHS Ayrshire and Arran revealed that it is 'unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments' for adults. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said that the situation has 'effectively privatised' adult autism and ADHD services. The Scottish Government has said it is working with local authorities and health boards to improve access to services. In a Freedom of Information response, NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: "At present, there is no dedicated specialist neurodevelopmental diagnostic service within adult mental health services and therefore we are unable to facilitate referrals for standalone neurodevelopmental assessments." Commenting, Mr Smyth said: 'It is a disgrace that a random postcode lottery is dictating who can get assessed for autism and ADHD. 'NHS Ayrshire and Arran is just one of the places in Scotland affected by this. 'But for huge parts of the country the SNP has effectively privatised ADHD and autism support. 'The truth is Scotland's NHS is no longer free and available at the point of need for too many Scots. 'The Scottish Government has torched the founding principles of our NHS and it is failing both children and adults with ADHD and autism. 'A Scottish Labour government will fix the mess the SNP has made of our NHS and ensure people with autism and ADHD can get the support they need.' Mr Smyth also claimed that the Scottish Government had taken the 'controversial decision to remove children seeking ADHD and autism diagnoses from CAMHS (child adolescent mental heath services) waiting lists' but this has been categorically denied by the Scottish Government. In a response to Ayrshire Live, the Scottish Government also highlighted that a record £21.7 billion would be spent on health and social care in 2025-26 and that the Adult Autism Support Fund will invest £1 million a year for community support for autistic adults. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Suggestions that the Government have inappropriately 'removed' young people seeking a diagnosis for a neurodevelopmental condition like autism or ADHD from CAMHS waiting lists are incorrect – CAMHS is not the correct service for children seeking a diagnosis for a neurodevelopmental condition, unless they are seeking support for a mental health condition. 'Long waits for mental healthcare are unacceptable and it is vital that people across Scotland receive support to meet their needs at the earliest opportunity. There has been a significant increase in demand for diagnosis of neurodevelopmental conditions and together with NHS Boards, local authorities and community partners we are working to improve access to the best possible care.'
