A deaf woman spent almost three days in hospital without a sign language interpreter.
The woman, identified only as Miss A, was admitted to Ninewells Hospital but was left unable to communicate with staff as she uses British Sign Language (BSL).
NHS Tayside has now apologised to her after a complaint was made to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO).
In their report, the SPSO said they upheld the complaint but declined to recommend changes as health bosses had already taken steps to rectify the issue.
It said: “We found that Miss A was left in Ninewells Hospital without an interpreter for nearly three days, which was unacceptable.
“The board had initially tried to get an interpreter, but it was then left to Miss A’s family to do so. When they could not, the board arranged for an interpreter to attend.
“There were also problems in ensuring that interpreters were there at the same time as doctors.
“The board agreed it is their responsibility, not that of the patient’s family, to try to secure an interpreter.”
Since the incident staff at the hospital have been supplied with five additional numbers for sign language interpreters.
In addition to apologising, NHS Tayside has entered into a legal agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission and committed to ensuring that every patient with additional communication requirements receives the same level of services as those without.
A secondary complaint to the SPSO stated that the wards did not display posters advertising BSL interpreter services.
NHS Tayside told the SPSO that all wards are required to display them, but could not confirm that it was in display when Miss A was in hospital.
However they said they now carry out a weekly audit of posters, ensuring that they are displayed in every clinical area.