The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Ambulance error ‘human’
Helicopter for sick baby in Orkney dispatched to Shetland instead
An investigation into how an air ambulance was sent 120 miles in the wrong direction after it was called to the aid of a sick baby has blamed an “individual staff error”.
NHS Grampian said it found no evidence that the incident, which saw an incubator flown to Shetland instead of Orkney, was “symptomatic of wider issues”.
It was only after the ambulance crew landed in Shetland that they discovered they had been sent to the wrong island.
They then made their way to Orkney and the child arrived at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital – almost 10 hours after the first call was made for the air ambulance. NHS Grampian apologised to the family involved in the March 17 incident and launched an investigation into how it could have happened. Last night a spokeswoman for the health authority confirmed the probe has now been completed.
The incident, she said, was the result of “individual staff error and not symptomatic of wider issues”.
“We have reminded all staff about the importance of clearly establishing transfer requirements and communicating these to the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS).
“We would take this opportunity to apologise again to the family involved for any distress caused.”
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We have reviewed the circumstances around this incident and we are satisfied that the service took appropriate action at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure patient safety was not compromised.”
At the time, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur, wrote to Scottish Ambulance Service chief executive, Pauline Howie, expressing serious concern.
He said last night: “For islanders, the air ambulance service can be the difference between life and death.
“News that an emergency flight meant for Orkney was sent instead to Shetland therefore caused understandable public concern locally.
“Thankfully the consequences of this incident did not prove lasting, but it was right that NHS Grampian and SAS undertook an urgent investigation. NHS Grampian has confirmed that human error was to blame and taken steps to avoid any repeat in future. That is welcome as indeed is their apology to the family affected.”
“We would take this opportunity to apologise again to the family involved”