The Ombudsman's final decision
Summary: Mrs X complains about the care her late mother-in-law received when she went to a care home for respite care. We cannot investigate this complaint as the NHS funded her care, not the Council.
The complaint
The complainant, whom I shall refer to as Mrs X, complains about the care her late mother-in-law, Mrs Y, received when she went to a care home for respite care.
The Ombudsman’s role and powers
We cannot investigate a complaint where the body complained about is not responsible for the issue being raised. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(1), as amended)
How I considered this complaint
I have: considered the complaint and the documents provided by Mrs X; discussed the complaint with Mrs X; and considered the comments the Council has provided.
What I found
NHS Continuing Healthcare funded Mrs Y’s care. It is therefore not within our jurisdiction to investigate the complaint.
Final decision
We cannot investigate this complaint as the Council did not fund Mrs Y’s care.
Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman