Walsall Manor Hospital 'failed' elderly patient
An elderly woman died at Walsall Manor Hospital after staff failed to monitor her oxygen levels.
The case was flagged up on the latest 'Serious Incident' report detailing patient failings throughout August where lessons can be learned.
The report refers to incident as 'sub optimal care of the deteriorating patient' and says: "A patient's oxygen levels were not monitored and escalated appropriately and she became unresponsive. Emergency treatment was given, however the patient died."
Bosses have recorded the root cause of the death as 'inadequate monitoring and escalation of the patient's condition'.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust has since told the Express & Star that the case involved an elderly woman with a number of 'serious health conditions' who was on Ward 29, which is used for frail elderly patients, at the time.
Rachel Overfield, Director of Nursing added: "This case has been thoroughly investigated and trust staff have acknowledged that there were some care failings.
"We are committed to learning lessons to avoid these issues being repeated in the future."
The trust declined to provide any more details on the case stating it was 'personal patient information'.
Bosses have identified several changes to introduce in order to prevent the same happening again.
Among them is to conduct training on Ward 29 as well as to ensure all staff ensure all staff are clear on the use of the emergency call buzzer.
There were 1,101 incidents recorded in August while only seven were classed as 'serious' – the lowest amount in a month for more than a year.
Phao Hewitson, head of clinical governance, said: "Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust recognises that the prompt identification, initial management, reporting and review of Serious Incidents is important for improving patient care and staff welfare through lessons learned."