Mr G complained about the care provided to his father, Mr M. Mr G said that Hywel Dda University Health Board (“the Health Board”) failed to diagnose Mr M’s lung cancer promptly, and that it discharged Mr M inappropriately and without palliative support in November 2021.
The Ombudsman found that there was no reason to suspect that Mr M had lung cancer before it was diagnosed. Incidental findings of changes and fluid in Mr M’s lungs should have been followed-up, but they could have been caused by a number of things, not just cancer. Additionally, the progress of Mr M’s disease would probably not have been changed even if it had been identified sooner. This complaint was not upheld, but the Health Board was invited to consider reminding clinicians of the importance of following up on incidental findings as well as making sure that the primary medical issue has been addressed.
The Ombudsman found that Mr M’s discharge in November and the plan for follow-up were appropriate. There were no clinical concerns that should have prevented him going home and it was not possible to predict how suddenly his disease would progress, or to prevent his quick deterioration and death. This complaint was not upheld.