Investigation reports

This investigation found that the system for communicating with patients on healthcare waiting lists is in ‘disarray’, and concluded that significant and repeated failures across the system amounted to ‘systemic maladministration’.

It urged the Department of Health to work with Health Trusts, GPs and others to address the failings.

The parents of a woman with multiple healthcare needs complained that she should have been cared for in a nursing home rather than a residential home.  Our investigation found that the Trust properly assessed the woman’s needs and cared for her appropriately.

We found that a medical assessment performed during a home visit was carried out in line with good medical practice, but that the GP should have recorded what had been discussed with the patient and her family, and what they should do if her symptoms did not improve.