Imagine entering a hospital seeking comfort only to face agony instead. This is the heartbreaking reality of Roy Owen, a terminal cancer patient whose tragic story has ignited outrage over the lack of proper care in Borders General Hospital, Scotland. Roy, admitted for palliative care in May 2023, spent the last months of his life enduring 'unnecessary pain' as hospital staff failed to provide him with the relief he desperately needed.

At 79, Roy had been battling stage 4 prostate cancer, a ruthless illness that had metastasized to his bones and spine. As he sought relief at Borders General, nursing staff fell woefully short. Despite being in a facility designed for 24-hour pain management, Roy and his loving wife Ann faced a shocking disregard for his suffering. An investigation by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) uncovered 'serious clinical failings' that left Roy in torment during his prolonged stay.

For 16 grueling weeks, Roy's pleas for pain relief were largely ignored. Shockingly, medical assessments indicating his need for additional relief were conducted only twice throughout his entire hospitalization. The report highlighted a disturbing pattern: advice from specialists was routinely neglected, and crucial pain assessments were alarmingly infrequent. Even worse, there were times when the hospital ran out of vital medication, and key access to drug cabinets was restricted.

Roy's wife, Ann, shared her anguish, stating, 'The reason my husband was at the hospital was for palliative pain management, so I find it odd that the attitude was so casual and certainly not adequate.' Visitors, including friends and family with healthcare backgrounds, were horrified at the treatment Roy received. Ann described the heart-wrenching moments where her husband, clearly in distress, was offered nothing more than basic pain relief like paracetamol.

Having moved to Selkirk over 20 years ago and established roots in the community, Roy was not just a patient; he was a beloved figure in local organizations, from the cricket club to the church. His deteriorating health after years of treatment made his transition into palliative care a desperate necessity. Unfortunately, the care he received at Borders General Hospital fell tragically short of what he deserved. The SPSO's investigation underscored that during his care, Roy was cognitively impaired and his complex pain needs were not met, resulting in undue suffering.

Ann’s attempts to voice concerns about her husband's treatment were met with indifference. After putting her worries in writing and meeting with nursing managers, she endured a frustrating wait of over six weeks for a response. The formal complaints process offered little relief, often dismissing her grievances. 'It's terrible seeing your husband in such pain,' Ann expressed, 'but it's almost as bad having to deal with hospital management.' This tragic case raises critical questions about hospital protocols and patient care, igniting a call for urgent reforms in the healthcare system.

The SPSO has mandated NHS Borders to issue a full apology to Ann and ensure comprehensive training for all staff in effective pain management. The hope is that no one else will have to endure what Roy did in his final days, shining a spotlight on the urgent need for compassion and competence in palliative care.