Clinical treatment in hospital : Hywel Dda University Health Board

Mrs V complained about the overall care and treatment her father, Mr N, received following his admission to Prince Philip Hospital on 1 April 2020, having suffered a stroke, up until his death on 29 April. In particular, Mrs V was unhappy at poor communication with her and her mother throughout Mr N’s admission, especially the inappropriate timing of a discussion with regard to a Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (“DNACPR”) decision, the lack of involvement, and records, of the Palliative Care team when Mr N’s condition deteriorated, and how Mr N and his family were treated following his positive COVID-19 test.

The Ombudsman’s investigation found that communication between staff, Mr N and his family was appropriate, as was the timing of the discussion with regard to the DNACPR decision. In relation to the involvement of the Palliative Care team, the Ombudsman was satisfied that involvement was at the right time and its documentation was sufficiently detailed. The Ombudsman was also satisfied with the way Mr N and his family were treated following his positive COVID-19 test.

The Ombudsman did not uphold the complaint.