Source · LGO (Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman)

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (24 022 487b)

LGO (Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman) Not Upheld Reference 24-022-487b Sector Health Category Mental Health Services Decided 21 June 2026

Summary

Lancashire County Council acted with fault when it contributed to the unnecessary delay discharging Mrs Y from Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. The delay most likely impacted Mrs Y’s mental well-being and caused her son, Mr X significant distress. The Council should apologise to Mrs Y and Mr X, make a symbolic payment to them, and improve its services to avoid similar fault reoccurring.