Mr B complained about the care and treatment he received from the Health Board for prostate cancer. Specifically, whether his clinical management and communication between July 2024, when he was referred to hospital, and 3 February 2025 when chemotherapy treatment commenced, was appropriate, timely and in keeping with relevant guidance.
The Ombudsman found that Mr B’s clinical management and the way the Health Board communicated with him was not appropriate. There were avoidable delays in Mr B’s treatment which was not in keeping with relevant guidance. Mr B was also not provided with some relevant information, which meant he was unable to make informed decisions about his care. Mr B’s complaint was upheld.
The Ombudsman sought and gained the Health Board’s agreement to apologise to Mr B for these failings. The Health Board also agreed to share the investigation report with the clinicians involved in Mr B’s care so that the findings could be considered and discussed and to review the way it collects and shares information on estimated waiting times for oncology referrals.