06 August 2009
Scotland’s public services watchdog has found that many health boards are providing poor standards of care for elderly people.
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, Jim Martin, highlighted inadequate communication and record-keeping as one of the main causes of distress to patients and their families.
Martin said: ‘Several health complaints contain important lessons about how gaps in care and treatment, including poor communication and record-keeping, can have a profoundly negative impact on patients and relatives.’
Of the 19 reports published by the ombudsman, eight related to the health sector, ten to councils and one to the Scottish Government.
Scotland’s public services watchdog has found that many health boards are providing poor standards of care for elderly people.
The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, Jim Martin, highlighted inadequate communication and record-keeping as one of the main causes of distress to patients and their families.
Martin said: ‘Several health complaints contain important lessons about how gaps in care and treatment, including poor communication and record-keeping, can have a profoundly negative impact on patients and relatives.’
Of the 19 reports published by the ombudsman, eight related to the health sector, ten to councils and one to the Scottish Government.
