Ms B complained about the care and treatment she received from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board. The investigation considered whether the care and treatment provided to Ms B on 23 December 2023 led to increased risk of her later diagnosis of post-dural puncture headache (“PDPH” – a headache caused by fluid leaking from the puncture site following a spinal procedure). It also considered whether the care and treatment provided to Ms B on 26 December was clinically appropriate in light of her presenting symptoms and clinical history.
The Ombudsman found that whilst Ms B’s epidural catheter (a small, flexible tube placed in the spine to deliver pain relief medication) was accidentally cut, the insertion of a second epidural catheter was clinically appropriate given the circumstances. It found that this did increase the risk of Ms B’s later diagnosis of PDPH, however, the Health Board had acted to mitigate such risks. The investigation also found that the care and treatment provided to Ms B, on 26 December, was clinically appropriate, given that she was discharged based upon an appropriate review of her presenting symptoms. The Ombudsman did not uphold the complaints.