December 2016
Date: 01 December 2016
- Details:
The patient was unhappy that the paramedic referred him to his GP and did not take him to hospital. The patient was suffering with upper abdominal pain which was radiating into his chest and neck. The next day the GP subsequently found that he had suffered a heart attack. An ambulance was called for the patient.
- Findings:
The investigating manager reviewed the Patient Care Record, and the CAD record. Based on this review and the clear documented assessment made by the crew the investigating manager concluded that the paramedic's actions were appropriate. A clear documented assessment process took place and concluded that the exacerbation of a pre-existing condition was the cause of the patient’s current presentation. The paramedic rightly elected to seek the advice and guidance of more senior health care professional, one who had access to the patients’ medical records and together decided the best cause of action was for the patient to be reviewed by the GP. A plan was put on place for this to occur.
- Lesson learnt / action taken:
There were areas of care that could have been better. It was recognised that certain areas, in particular in relation the ongoing care advice given to the patient and what to do in circumstances where the patient’s condition did not improve or where it deteriorated, fell below the Trust’s expected standards. Apologies were offered to the patient. The areas of concern have been raised with the clinician and reflective practice has been undertaken to improve the standards of care provided.
- Date:01 December 2016