Child and Adolecent Mental Health : Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Ms X complained that in 2020 and 2021, there was a failure to diagnose her son’s mental health disorder which resulted in extreme mental distress. As a result, Ms X said she was required to engage a private therapist at her own cost.

The Ombudsman did not consider there was evidence to suggest shortcomings in the assessment process or lack of input. However, there was an accepted failure to communicate the reasons for Ms X’s son’s discharge in March 2021 which may have resulted in funded therapy. The Ombudsman decided to settle the complaint.
She sought and obtained the Health Board’s agreement to provide: a formal apology for the accepted failings in the March 2021 assessment and discharge process; a time and trouble payment of £100; evidence of the lessons learned and action taken to avoid future similar issues from occurring; reimbursement for private treatment costs in the sum of £500, within one month.