Failure to diagnose - ombudsman response

I received a response today from my letter to the ombudsman, in relation to my brother now aged 60, and the failure by the CMHT to recognise, refer on and diagnose autism. This is despite many consultations over the past 30 years, and the fact that they failed to recognise his “symptoms” consistent with autism (and ADHD). The outcome is that they will not be investigating any further. I raised additional concerns about his treatment, none will be investigated further. I must say that I am disappointed. I wanted an independent body to agree with me that his “treatment” was unacceptable. I will now have to put this at the back of my mind for now. 

Parents
  • Did they give any justification for why they believed the treatment was acceptable?

    What is the name of the Ombudsman body so we can look up if they are truly independent?

  • Hi

    Thank you

    Some of the responses as follows

    First, you were unhappy with the Health Board’s CMHS treatment of Mr x
    Within your complaint to the Ombudsman, you listed that there had been poor
    clinical judgement, with the Health Board failing to recognise symptoms consistent
    with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I have very carefully
    considered the Health Board’s investigation report, dated 17 July 2023. Within the
    report, the Health Board explained that Mr X had received several
    assessments from mental health nurses, consultant psychiatrists and psychologists,
    which all indicated a similar theme of mixed depression/anxiety and atypical
    personality traits. The investigation report later indicated that Mr X was
    discussed by a multi-disciplinary team which concluded that no mental illness was
    present. The Health Board advised that a formal diagnosis would be best carried
    out by the specialist team, to which Mr X can self-refer.
    Based on the information that I have seen, I do not consider that there has been
    poor clinical judgement from the Health Board, and its approach appears to have
    been consistent, with several different professionals reaching similar conclusions.
    Though I accept that you have obtained a private diagnosis for Mr X, this does
    not mean that there has been any service failure identified in the Health Board’s
    actions.

    Also they cannot investigate anything that occured over 12 months previous. 

    I dont think this has been addressed well enough or thorough enough, based on what i raised, but i will leave it for now, as i dont want to get overwhelmed with it. They said there is a limit to what they can do. 

    Public services Ombudsman 

  • The Health Board advised that a formal diagnosis would be best carried
    out by the specialist team, to which Mr X can self-refer

    doesnt this bit say he can actually self refer himself to a assessment? 

    or am i missing something here.... this to me tells me they are giving permission for him to self refer to their specialist team....

Reply
  • The Health Board advised that a formal diagnosis would be best carried
    out by the specialist team, to which Mr X can self-refer

    doesnt this bit say he can actually self refer himself to a assessment? 

    or am i missing something here.... this to me tells me they are giving permission for him to self refer to their specialist team....

Children
  • Yes your right. There is a specialist team to which you can self refer to. It is seperate to the CMHT..We did not know about this team until this year.  We had no idea that we were autistic. He now has his diagnosis completed privately. The CMHT do also have psychiatrists who are able to assess and diagnose.