Clinical treatment in hospital : Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Mrs X complained about the Health Board’s decision not to transfer her family’s care, in its entirety, to an NHS organisation in England. Mrs X also complained about issues surrounding her children’s special educational needs, safeguarding referrals, prescriptions and Speech and Language Therapy input.

The Ombudsman found that a number of Mrs X’s issues were out of time, may have a legal remedy or would most appropriately be directed towards her local council. The Ombudsman declined to investigate the complaint regarding a transfer of care, because there was no evidence to suggest that the Health Board’s decision to reject Mrs X’s request was inappropriate. The Ombudsman considered that a number of the issues Mrs X sought to raise had not yet had the benefit of a formal written response from the Health Board.

Accordingly, the Health Board agreed, within 20 working days, to write to Mrs X to confirm the heads of complaint and, within 60 working days of that confirmation, issue its a written response. The Ombudsman considered this to be an appropriate settlement and did not investigate.