Mrs C complained about the care and treatment provided to her late husband, in particular whether he was diagnosed and treated within the timescales set out under the Single Suspected Cancer Pathway (SCP).
The Ombudsman noted that the SCP is intended to ensure that patients suspected of having cancer are seen, diagnosed and treated within a target timescale of no more than 62 days from suspicion to first definitive treatment. However, the Ombudsman also noted Mrs C’s concerns that the Health Board had not delivered her husband’s care and treatment within those stipulated timescales. The Ombudsman decided to settle the complaint without conducting a formal investigation.
To facilitate this resolution, the Ombudsman sought and obtained the Health Board’s agreement to provide Mrs C, within one month, with a further response specifically addressing compliance with the SCP timescales.