Clinical treatment in hospital: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

Miss A complained about the care that she received from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (“the Health Board”) following brain surgery in March 2021. The investigation considered the care and treatment she received at the University Hospital of Wales between 28 March and 3 April 2021, where she underwent brain surgery to remove a rare type of brain tumour. It also considered the planning of her discharge, whether it was clinically appropriate to discharge her and if appropriate post-discharge support was put in place that met her needs. Additionally, it considered whether her subsequent requests for additional support were appropriately responded to and whether her ongoing health problems relating to her surgery had been adequately addressed. Finally, it considered whether the failings of care and of the provision of information that she described in her complaint amounted to discrimination.

The Ombudsman was satisfied that all aspects of Miss A’s care did not fall below a clinically appropriate standard. The Ombudsman found that Miss A’s requests for advice and support were appropriately responded to, including signposting to appropriate third parties. The Ombudsman found that the Health Board provided Miss A with all the support available to it. Although the Ombudsman was not permitted to make a finding of discrimination, she was satisfied that there was no evidence of failings in respect of the care or information provided. Accordingly, the Ombudsman did not uphold Miss A’s complaints.