Clinical treatment in hospital: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board

Mrs A complained that, in September 2022, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board failed to provide adequate care and treatment to her son, Mr B, for his broken arm. Mr B had suffered a fracture to his humerus (a long bone in the upper arm).

The Ombudsman found that the Health Board failed to ensure that Mr B’s upper arm fracture was adequately supported before he was discharged from hospital. Mr B needed a humeral brace (a brace made of supportive material and strapping to hold the humerus in place). Alternatively, his arm should have been fitted with a “U-slab” plaster cast from his wrist to his shoulder, but he received neither. As a result, he experienced 3 days of avoidable additional pain and discomfort. The complaint was upheld.

The Health Board agreed to the Ombudsman’s recommendations to apologise and make a financial redress payment to Mr B. It agreed to standardise training in when to fit different kinds of fracture supports and to ensure that all ED staff are trained in how to fit a humeral brace. It also agreed to arrange training for all plaster room staff in how to fit a “U-slab” plaster.