NHS FIFE has apologised for poor communication after a patient contracted a flesh eating bug following surgery at the Victoria Hospital.

The wife of the man – known as Mr A – complained to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) after his death but her case was not upheld.

The woman, described as Mrs C, had called the Victoria Hospital the day after her husband had attended day surgery for an operation to advise that he was unwell.

She was told to call his GP and, after a review, he was admitted to hospital and subsequently diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis – a very aggressive bacterial infection. He died in hospital less than two weeks later.

The board carried out an investigation into the source of Mr A's infection but concluded that they could not say whether the infection was acquired in hospital or in the community. 

Mrs C complained about the infection, and that the nurse she spoke to on the phone the day after the surgery was not more supportive.

In response to Mrs C's complaint, the board met with her family and explained their findings. They apologised for the poor communication by the nurse, and shared Mrs C's concerns with the ward for reflection and learning. 

The board also put in place new procedures for responding to calls from patients or family, however, Mrs C remained dissatisfied with the board's response and approached the SPSO.

The Ombudsman's report stated: "Mrs C complained to us that the board unreasonably failed to prevent infection during Mr A's operation. 

"We found that, whilst some aspects of the surgical care could have been improved, staff had taken reasonable steps to reduce the risk of infection during the operation, although it was not possible to eliminate the risk entirely. 

"We also found that, once Mr A was re-admitted, staff identified his infection and began antibiotics promptly. We found that the board had carried out a reasonable and timely investigation into the source of the infection, and we agreed with their finding that it was not possible to know with certainty where this was acquired."

The SPSO acknowledged that Mrs C had also complained that the board failed to provide adequate support when she called the hospital the morning after Mr A's surgery. 

"We found that it was appropriate for the nurse to refer Mrs C to the GP because Mr A required an assessment of his medical condition, which the nurse was not qualified to give," added the Ombudsman. 

"Whilst we were not able to comment on the tone or tenor of this conversation, we noted that the board had taken appropriate steps by sharing Mrs C's concerns with nursing staff for reflection."
NHS Fife's director of nursing, Helen Wright, said they had noted the Ombudsman’s comments in this case.

She added: “While the complaint was not upheld, as with any feedback we receive, we will consider these comments and use them to improve the services we provide.”