Clinical treatment in hospital : Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Mrs X complained about the care and treatment provided to her husband whilst he awaited assessment for breathing difficulties. Mrs X said that the Health Board’s complaint response did not adequately address her concerns.

The Ombudsman noted that the Health Board’s response addressed many of the points which Mrs X had highlighted to him. He was satisfied that the Health Board’s explanation was reasonable. However, he noted that Mrs X had not previously raised concerns regarding whether her husband’s pressure areas had been checked during his hospital admission. The Ombudsman concluded that the Health Board had not had a reasonable opportunity to investigate and respond to this element of complaint.

The Ombudsman sought and gained the Health Board’s agreement to provide a written response to Mrs X within 30 working days of the Ombudsman’s decision.