Page 19 - Adult C Overview Report - FINAL

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7.32. The issues highlighted above have been raised in an analysis of alcohol related SARs , one of
which was a previous SAR for Teeswide Safeguarding Adult Board.

7.33. The learning from these alcohol related SAR cases were significant and there are many
parallels to this case, therefore the learning and findings are similar. TSAB have recently
received a presentation from the author of that report and were asked to consider what
needed to change locally. In light of this TSAB will be asked to formally review the learning
and apply it locally in respect of this case (see recommendations).

Learning Point 8: The effect of alcohol dependency on decision making requires careful
consideration especially when assessing mental capacity and understanding whether a
person can really assert choice with significant addiction.
Learning Point 9: It is important for all services to be cognisant of physical health
conditions and treatments in order to support compliance with medication.
Learning Point 10: Understanding barriers to change may be important in assessing
resistance.

Management and coordination of community acquired pneumonia in alcohol dependent
adults

7.34. When Adult C developed chest symptoms, she contacted her GP. The GP surgery

accommodated her request to be seen at the surgery. The GP surgery worked well to
persuade Adult C that she needed immediate hospital treatment.

7.35. When Adult C was seen at hospital that day and the following day, she was seen, diagnosed
and treated appropriately as an adult with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). There is a
multitude of research regarding the increased risk of CAP in this group as well as indicators of
a higher mortality rate from CAP in this group.

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7.36. Adult C’s treatment was undertaken in line with NICE Guidance by a Specialist Nurse
Practitioner in consultation with a specialist consultant.

7.37. Other agencies knew of Adult C’s sporadic engagement in treatment plans and interventions
and there was also evidence of some non-compliance with drug treatments. Adult C had a
very chaotic lifestyle. It is of note however, that Adult C always attended her hospital
appointments with no recorded evidence of defaulted appointments. Adult 1 told the author

16 Alcohol Change UK (2019) : Learning from tragedies An analysis of alcohol-related Safeguarding Adult Reviews published in 2017
July 2019
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/publication/learning-from-tragedies-an-analysis-of-alcohol-related-safeguarding-adult-reviews-published-in-
2017

17 Pneumonia in adults: diagnosis and management. Clinical guideline [CG191] Published date: December 2014 Last updated: September
2019.https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg191

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