Mr A complained that the Health Board inappropriately submitted three Multi Agency Referral Forms (“MARFs”) to the Council in relation to events from his son’s inpatient stay.
The Ombudsman found that the Health Board’s first MARF was submitted to the Council other than in accordance with the relevant procedures, but that concerns relating to the second and third MARFs were premature.
The Health Board agreed, within 2 weeks, to provide an apology to Mr A and clarify Mr A’s ongoing concerns in regard to the second and third MARFs. The Health Board also agreed, within 1 month, to remind staff that referrals to the Council relating to harm should be made in response to safeguarding concerns for the child involved and, within 2 months, to provide a further complaint response.