Recommendation 13

The Committee reiterates its conclusion that legislative reform of the PHSO is required. The PHSO’s legislation is out of date compared to modern Ombudsman standards. While the Committee appreciates the pressing priorities facing the Government, including covid-19, reform of the PHSO should not be treated as a trifling matter and unworthy of parliamentary time. The PHSO represents the final stage in a complaints process. For many complainants, their complaints refer to matters of grave seriousness, such as the passing of a loved one, and it is essential they can have complete faith that there is an effective organisation at the end of the process. The outdated legislation undermines this important aim. (Paragraph 41) 18 Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Scrutiny 2019–20 Impact on other organisations