Mrs A complained that Aneurin Bevan University Health Board provided inappropriate care and treatment when she presented at the Emergency Department. Mrs A said she was misdiagnosed, which led to her being discharged prematurely and suffering a severe asthma attack, necessitating readmission within 6 hours, and treatment for several days in the Intensive Care Unit.
The Ombudsman decided that Mrs A should not have been discharged, but should have remained in hospital for further observations and treatment, as necessary. Mrs A has been left with the uncertainty that had further inpatient observation occurred in the first instance, it may have altered the outcome and avoided the health anxiety she attributes to her experience.
The Ombudsman sought and gained the Health Board’s agreement to apologise to Mrs A, and provide the relevant feedback to the Emergency Department Doctor and wider team, for learning and development.