Home / Health / Patient Fed Roast Dinner Despite 'Nil By Mouth' Order, Dies
Patient Fed Roast Dinner Despite 'Nil By Mouth' Order, Dies
1 Sep
Summary
- An 89-year-old patient died from aspirated pneumonia after being fed.
- The hospital served solid food despite a 'nil by mouth' notice.
- The NHS board was fined £75,250 and apologized unreservedly.
A tragic incident at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary resulted in the death of 89-year-old Patrick Brogan, who was on a strict liquids-only diet. Mr. Brogan was admitted on Christmas Day 2023 following a fall. Despite a 'nil by mouth' notice attached to his bed, staff served him a roast dinner on January 1, 2024, the day of his surgery. He subsequently choked on the meal. A further incident occurred on January 6, 2024, when he was given toast, leading to a rapid decline. Mr. Brogan died on January 12, 2024, from aspirated pneumonia.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive identified several failings by NHS Grampian. The immediate cause of death was attributed to the patient being served an inappropriate meal without assistance. The NHS board acknowledged these failures, with a legal representative stating their systems were insufficient. Sheriff Craig Findlater ruled the care provided was inadequate and fined NHS Grampian £75,250. The chief executive of NHS Grampian issued an unreserved apology to Mr. Brogan's family, vowing to implement significant changes to prevent future occurrences.
