Mrs A complained about the care and treatment provided to her son by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s dermatology department.
In particular, it had failed to provide effective treatment, dismissed her concerns and discharged her son from the service without notice or review.
The Ombudsman found that Mrs A’s son had been advised to continue with the current treatment (Doxycycline) for a further 12months, despite him having already used the medication for around 2 years without effect. The reasons for this were unclear. The Health Board had not adequately considered information contained in the referral or Mrs A’s request that an alternative treatment be considered. Mrs A’s son had been discharged from the service without notice and was advised to consult the GP for another referral to be made. Mrs A and her son were inconvenienced by the Health Board’s actions and this has caused frustration for them.
The Health Board agreed to, within 6 weeks, re-consider the complaint, taking into account the information provided in the referrals, and provide Mrs A with a further complaint response. It also agreed to consider whether a further dermatology appointment could be offered.