The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Patient hits out after alleged care errors
Dying Angus man claims hospital staff were responsible for a series of mistakes
A dying Angus man has demanded answers after a series of alleged care errors at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
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 which has a life expectancy of around eight years.
Glasgow SNP MSP Bob Doris, who chairs the Scottish Parliament’s crossparty 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 had brought from home.
“On waking the next morning I should take two Madopar capsules to generate dopamine to allow me to function.
“I tried explaining but was told I’d need to wait until the drugs run was
“I was in agony with my stomach problem and was unable to communicate. I eventually passed out with the pain
done. My weakened state led to a major spasm where my feet and toes were locked.
“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 and raised a red flag.
Mr Swankie also queried whether the overnight medication he had been given had been correct.
He said: “I discovered to my horror it was paracetamol I had been given instead of my two Madopar capsules.
“They couldn’t believe how bad I was but this was due to the negligence in the medication.”
Mr Swankie said the lack of PSP awareness is now “worse than ever” and has demanded answers after declaring “enough is enough”.
Mr Doris d said: “It would appear that in Keith’s most recent experience, health professionals on the ground did not have knowledge of PSP and it led to a significant adverse impact to his care and treatment.
“Whilst I appreciate not every frontline professional can be experienced in every rare condition, I would hope there would be easily accessible information to front line staff once PSP has been identified.”
Mr Doris has asked Ms Robison as to how systems should operate when there is an emergency episode such as the one Mr Swankie experienced and what improvements are being considered.
A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “We would encourage Mr Swankie to contact our complaints and feedback team to discuss his concerns.”