Mrs X complained that Cardiff and Vale University Health Board failed to publish specific public guidance about the best care pathway and treatment approach for children with Cystic Fibrosis suffering with significant urinary incontinence. Mrs X said her child had been left to suffer for 18 months without a referral for treatment.
The Ombudsman concluded that the Health Board had failed to provide an appointment for Mrs X’s daughter within a reasonable amount of time and it lacked specific published pathway guidance. The Ombudsman said this caused uncertainty, frustration, and inconvenience to Mrs X and her child. The Ombudsman decided to settle the complaint without an investigation.
The Ombudsman sought and gained the Health Board’s agreement to contact Mrs X to confirm an appointment with the Biofeedback Clinic undertaken by the Continence Specialist Nurses (within 3 weeks). It should also consider publishing guidance about the best pathway and treatment approach for a child with urinary incontinence.