Mr A had eye surgery in 2023 and experienced a cataract which is a known complication of the type of procedure that he had. Mr A, who was placed on the urgent waiting list for a cataract operation in March 2024, complained about delays in the operation being carried out. He also expressed concerns about the deterioration in his vision and that it might undo the benefits of his previous eye surgery.
The Ombudsman identified that the Health Board in its complaint response to Mr A had not addressed the issue of harm as part of it Putting Things Right (“PTR”) response. Mr A’s position of the waiting list was also unclear as well as who, surgically, was responsible for his cataract management and care.
The Health Board agreed to provide Mr A with a further complaint response which addressed the issue of harm. In addition, it agreed to provide a general update on his waiting list position and clarify Mr A’s care pathway. It also said that it would review Mr A’s case and identify steps to ensure PTR requirements around harm are met where this is appropriate.