Man demands answers over hospital claims

A DYING Angus man has demanded answers after a series of alleged care errors at Ninewells Hospital.

Dad-of-two Keith Swankie from Arbroath claimed he passed out in pain after being told he would need to wait to get his medication.

He was eventually moved to another ward but his distress continued when he was allegedly given the wrong medication which left him “immobile and unable to function”.

Mr Swankie was diagnosed with the debilitating disease progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) in 2012. Patients have a life expectancy of about eight years.

Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris, who chairs the S c o t t i s h Pa r l i a m e n t ’s cross-party groups on rare, genetic and undiagnosed conditions, has taken the matter to Health Secretary Shona Robison.

“I was having extreme stomach pain and was taken by ambulance to Ninewells,” said Mr Swankie. “The doctor was PSP-aware but appeared to be overawed with the medication we’d brought from home.

“In the morning I should take two Madopar capsules to allow me to function.

“I tried explaining but was told I’d need to wait until the drugs run was done. My weakened state l ed to a major spasm. I was in agony with my stomach problem and was unable to communicate. I eventually passed out with the pain.”

Mr Swankie said a nurse “realised the major error” and was most apologetic.

Mr Swankie said the lack of PSP awareness is now “worse than ever”.

Mr Doris has asked Ms Robison how systems should operate when there is an emergency episode such as the one Mr Swankie experienced.

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “We’d encourage Mr Swankie to contact our complaints team.”