Apology issued over dementia patient's treatment

The family complained their relative had been left without food and water

NHS Grampian has apologised to a family which complained that a dying relative with dementia was left without food and water.

The patient, known only as 'A', was admitted to hospital following a fall at their care home, and remained there until their death several weeks later.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman upheld the complaint and found gaps in food and fluid records, and that comfort rounds had not been provided frequently enough, leading to pressure ulcers.

It said an action plan provided by NHS Grampian over the failings was inadequate, so it has made its own recommendations.

NHS Grampian said it had apologised and that its care fell short of its own standards.