Mrs A complained about how Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board had dealt with 2 referrals for her son, B, to be assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder. She said the Health Board had rejected both referrals, but after paying for a private assessment her son had received an autism diagnosis.
The Ombudsman decided that whilst it could not be determined that B met the Health Board’s criteria for an assessment, there was a lack of detail in the notes to support the decision making. The reasons why B did not meet the threshold were also not adequately explained in the subsequent letters sent. The Ombudsman decided to settle the complaint without an investigation.
The Ombudsman sought and gained the Health Board’s agreement that within 3 months, it would write to Mrs A to acknowledge and apologise for the lack of detail in the medical notes and letters. It would also outline any changes made, to ensure that notes and decisions were more detailed.