NHS Grampian has apologised after being fined over the death of a patient who was given the wrong types of food.
Patrick Brogan, 89, was being treated at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
He had special dietary requirements, but initially choked on food and was later given another inappropriate meal. He developed the lung infection aspiration pneumonia, and died in January 2024.
NHS Grampian admitted health and safety failings at Aberdeen Sheriff Court. The board was fined £70,000 with an added victim surcharge of £5,250, which helps victim support organisations.
The health board said it had made changes to reduce the risk of something similar happening again.
NHS Grampian admitted that, between 29 December 2023 and 6 January 2024 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, it failed to have a safe system of work in place.
This was to ensure any foods prepared and provided were suitable to eliminate or reduce the risk of choking while consuming them.
As a result, on 1 January 2024, Mr Brogan choked after being given a meal which "failed to meet his dietary requirements".
He was given another inappropriate meal on 6 January, after which he contracted aspiration pneumonia and died six days later.
'Learn from our shortcomings'
Speaking after the outcome of the court case last week, chief executive Laura Skaife-Knight said she wanted to apologise "unreservedly" on behalf of NHS Grampian.
"While I deeply regret that I cannot change what happened in this case, I am committed to maximising our learning from our shortcomings and to improving the safety and quality of care for our future patients," she said.
"At the heart of healthcare is a commitment to provide safe, compassionate and effective care to every patient.
"I would like to assure Mr Brogan's family, and our local community, that we have undertaken a comprehensive review and, in response, have already implemented significant changes to reduce the risk of such an event recurring."
She said these included embedding a revised mealtime coordinator role, introducing a colour-coded tray system, strengthening nursing handovers, and improving staff training.