Raymond Woodhouse

i) The family complained they were unable to get staff on Karenza ward to listen to them. It was accepted in evidence that, at the time, there were staffing Information Classification: CONTROLLED difficulties on the ward that have since been addressed. ii) A lack of cleanliness with Mr Woodhouse being left in soiled bedding and clothes. It was not possible at inquest to come to a view that this was the cause of the infections in the knee and/or elbow. iii) Potential delay in the administration of antibiotics. In evidence, Dr accepted that with the benefit of hindsight this was the case. While it was not causative of the death it was possible this had resulted in an avoidable wash-out in theatre; iv) Delays or omissions of prescribed Parkinson’s medication. Matron had reviewed the nursing records. She accepted in evidence that there were ‘multiple’ occasions when medication was given late and three occasions when it was not given at all. She conceded nursing standards had fallen below what could reasonably be expected. The inquest was told this is a national problem coming out of the difficulties caused where a patient needs time-specific medication that falls outside traditional ward times for the administration of medication. I was also informed that a business case has been prepared for consideration by the Board for the appointment of a specialist Parkinson’s nurse and pharmacist. It was not known whether the case had been accepted and, if so, when it will be taken forward.