Marion Howes

1. 1. lack of timely discharge summary transmission

   “Discharge summaries from the hospital These need to be sent electronically to the GP on the day of discharge for continuity of care and full handover to the community from the acute hospital. In addition, the patient must understand the significance and be given his or her copy so that if by any chance there is a delay or a sudden readmission the patient understands the significance of keeping his copy with him for a few days after discharge”

2. 2. lack of timely communication of cancer diagnosis and appointment

   “In this particular case the patient died and in fact never knew the date of the appointment allocated, but the appointment of the specialist nurse, when the diagnosis is made, would be helpful and timeous and enable the patient to understand and prepare for what is to come. It seems to me that it would be a very much kinder way to proceed and would also mean that the sensible patient would be preparing him or herself for the surgery which is likely to follow”

3. 3. absence of named responsible clinician

   “In Mrs. [name redacted]' case there was a complete lack of co-ordination and continuity of care for her. Nobody took charge of her. Nobody was responsible and responsible for liaising with all the relevant firms so that she was dealt with comprehensively and by the appropriate people”

4. 4. inconsistent application of discharge policy

   “In Mrs. [name redacted]' case there were two failed discharges. The Trust's discharge policy is excellent on paper, but unfortunately does not appear to be practiced, or wasn't in Mrs. [name redacted] case”

5. 5. failure to identify end-of-life status

   “There was a failure to recognise the fact that Mrs. [name redacted] was dying. Those looking after her over the last two or three days of her life may have felt under pressure from a demanding family, but families have a right to be demanding as do patients, and doctors and nurses should be able | to manage their expectations”

Linked reports

No published response was found on judiciary.uk.