Clinical treatment in hospital: Swansea Bay University Health Board

Mr A complained about the care and treatment provided to his partner, Ms D, in relation to a laparoscopic hysterectomy. Although the Health Board responded to the initial complaint, it caused more questions to be raised concerning Ms D’s treatment, discharge and communication issues. Mr A therefore sent a follow-up letter. However at the point of making his complaint to the Ombudsman, he had not received a response.

The Ombudsman was concerned to note the Health Board had failed to respond to the further issues raised by Mr A and considered it would be helpful for him to receive a response. As an alternative to investigating the complaint, the Ombudsman made a recommendation which the Health Board agreed to implement.

The Health Board agreed to provide a response to Mr A’s follow-up letter within 20 working days.