Clinical treatment in hospital: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Mr A complained because he was unhappy with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s treatment of his wife, in respect of a perforation to her bladder during surgery and the subsequent treatment and care for her diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Regarding the concern with Mrs A’s perforated bladder, the Ombudsman noted that it is a common complication from the surgery. The risks were properly discussed with Mrs A before the surgery, evidenced by the signed consent form. On that basis the Ombudsman found that nothing further could be achieved. However, the Ombudsman also found that the Health Board’s complaint response to Mr A did not adequately address all his concerns.

The Ombudsman sought and gained the Health Board’s agreement to provide Mr A with a further complaint response addressing his concerns, within 20 working days.