Mr and Mrs A complained that the Health Board delayed offering an appointment to Mr A to discuss the results of his colorectal cancer scan. He had recently finished treatment and the post treatment scan was carried out in January 2024. He was initially offered an appointment in April and, whilst this was subsequently altered to an earlier appointment, Mr A was not informed of the results of the scan (which showed the cancer had spread) until 20 March. Sadly Mr A died during the investigation of his complaint.
The Ombudsman upheld the complaint that there was a delay in offering an appointment to Mr A to discuss the results of his colorectal cancer scan. Although the delay did not affect the clinical outcome for Mr A, it would have added unnecessary stress and uncertainty at an already very difficult time. He also should have been informed that his cancer had spread at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Health Board agreed to apologise to Mrs A for the identified failings, and, within 3 months, to review its oncology administrative system to ensure it was sufficiently robust to highlight where patients have not attended a review consultation following a multidisciplinary (MDT) discussion.
