Mrs Z had complained about the care and support provided to her late brother, Mr X, by Neath Port Talbot Council (“the First Council”) and Carmarthenshire County Council (“the Second Council”). Mrs Z complained to the Ombudsman that the independent Stage 2 investigation arranged by the Second Council, on behalf of the First and Second Councils, did not fully address her concerns. Specifically, she complained that it did not sufficiently consider her complaint that the First and Second Councils did not rigorously investigate reports that Mr X was being isolated by his partner from family, community and services. She also complained that the outcome of a safeguarding strategy meeting held following the death of Mr X, chaired by the Second Council, was flawed as it should have considered witness statements prepared by hospital staff.
The Ombudsman found that both the First and Second Councils took appropriate action in regard to concerns that Mr X was being isolated by his partner from family, community and services. The investigation also found that appropriate action was taken by the Second Council in its role in chairing the safeguarding strategy meeting. Appropriate information was requested and considered. These complaints were not upheld.