Mrs B complained about the care and treatment her husband, Mr B, received from the Health Board before his death on 14 October 2024. The investigation considered whether the Health Board’s accepted failings in relation to Mr B’s care between August and October 2024 contributed to his deterioration. In particular, the investigation considered whether Mr B’s discharge on 6 September was appropriate and in keeping with relevant guidance.
The Ombudsman found that Mr B’s discharge from hospital on 6 September was appropriate and reasonable. The lack of a discharge advice summary from the Health Board to the family and their GP was not appropriate, and this was a failing that the Health Board had already identified, acknowledged and is taking action to resolve. The Ombudsman found that this lack of discharge advice and communication with primary care, and lack of access to a subsequent CT scan result may have meant that other management options could have been considered when Mr B deteriorated and sought advice from 7 October onwards. However, the advice that was provided to Mr and Mrs B at that time was not unreasonable, given that Mr B was not likely fit for surgical intervention.
The investigation found that the failings already accepted by the Health Board did not contribute to Mr B’s deterioration and would not likely have altered the sad outcome for Mr B in this case. The complaint was not upheld.