Clinical treatment in hospital : Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Ms B complained that Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s (the Health Board”) response to her complaint about the care and treatment provided to her late sister was not as clear and transparent as it could be.

The Ombudsman found that while the Health Board had provided a response to Ms B’s complaint it had not informed Ms B that she could have requested a second opinion if she disagreed with the decision to put in place a DNACPR for her sister.

The Ombudsman contacted the Health Board and in resolution of Ms B’s complaint it agreed to, within 30 working days, write to Ms B to acknowledge and apologise that she was not informed of her right to request a second opinion and to expand upon the reasons for the DNACPR being put in place. The Ombudsman considered this to be an appropriate resolution and did not investigate.