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Hospital to Track Weight Loss After Patient's Death
15 Feb
Summary
- A 97-year-old patient died due to sub-optimal care.
- The trust will implement 'swarm huddles' to monitor weight loss.
- Dieticians will review patients with significant weight loss.
Frimley Health NHS Trust is introducing a new system to flag patients experiencing concerning weight loss. This change follows the death of 97-year-old June Violet Findlay, who received what was described as sub-optimal care at Frimley Park Hospital. Ms. Findlay had been admitted after a fall and hip surgery, and subsequently lost at least 5.3kg while at the Heathlands rehabilitation unit.
An investigation found that Ms. Findlay died from natural causes, contributed to by her fall and sub-optimal hospital care. In response, the trust's chief executive announced that 'swarm huddles' will be utilized. This involves multidisciplinary staff gathering to quickly analyze incidents and risks, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Under the new protocol, any patient identified with significant weight loss will be escalated to the ward matron. This will trigger a comprehensive review, involving dieticians, to ensure necessary actions are documented and implemented.
