A Scottish health board has been fined £180,000 after a vulnerable pensioner died due to lack of nursing staff.

Colin Lloyd, 78, died after suffering three falls while in the care of Raigmore Hospital in 2019.

The court heard how his death could have been prevented if “suitable and sufficient” hospital measures were in place.

NHS Highland were handed the fine after pleading guilty to a breach of health and safety regulations at Inverness Sheriff Court on January 31 this year.

The court heard how Mr Lloyd had been admitted to a surgical admissions ward at the hospital on February 6 2019, fallowing a fall in his home.

He was assessed by staff as unsuitable for bed rails but was at “high risk” of falling and required one-to-one care and observation.

However, the court heard how he was not given the one-on-one care he required and was transferred to a room managed by a staff nurse who was looking after two rooms of six beds and assisting in triage in another room.

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