Clinical treatment in hospital : Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Mr X complained about the care and treatment provided to his wife in respect of shingles. He complained she was discharged from hospital with open wounds and put in danger of secondary infection.

The Ombudsman noted there was disagreement between Mr X and the Health Board regarding the description of his wife’s shingles rash being dry and scabbed over. The Health Board accepted “the skin was very raw and sore looking”, and some clinicians may have dressed the affected area if requested by a patient. The Ombudsman was particularly concerned to learn that Mrs X was not asked whether she wanted the area dressed. As an alternative to investigating the complaint, the Ombudsman made recommendations which the Health Board agreed to implement.

The Health Board agreed to apologise to Mrs X for omitting to ask whether she wanted the affected area dressed, and it would do so within 30 working days.