PSOW (Public Services Ombudsman for Wales) Not Upheld

A GP Practice in the area of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

PSOW-202106819 · Health › Other · Decision date: 14 March 2023

Full Decision

Mrs A complained that the Health Centre failed to verify and certify Mr A’s death within a reasonable time frame.

The investigation acknowledged the waiting period was a distressing time for the family, but found that verification of a death is carried out as soon as reasonably practical for a busy GP. It would not have been appropriate for a GP to leave unwell patients to attend Mr A in those circumstances. The GP attended Mr A within 4 hours of becoming aware of his death.

The Ombudsman did not uphold the complaint. As no failing was identified, the Ombudsman did not make any recommendation regarding this complaint.