Mrs C complained about the care and treatment she received from the Health Board. The investigation considered whether the care and treatment offered in respect of Mrs C’s elbow injury, sustained in February 2023, was appropriate; specifically whether it was appropriate that the complete tear in the common flexor (elbow) tendon was not identified before 31 July 2023.
The investigation found that a series of delays hindered Mrs C’s patient journey and that her pain and discomfort could have been lessened sooner with the application of a brace, had the extent of her injury been diagnosed earlier. The complaint was therefore upheld.
The Ombudsman recommended that the Health Board apologise to Mrs C and pay her £500 in recognition of the emotional impact of its failings. She also recommended that several Health Board staff reflect on the findings of the investigation and identify lessons learned.