Case summaries

These short, anonymised stories show the profound impact that failures in public services can have on the lives of individuals and their families.

Please note we have not published any new case summaries on this page since 2015. In April 2021 we began publishing our casework decision statements and investigation reports on our decisions portal.

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GP referral for baby boy was too slow

Summary 52 | March 2014

Ms A complained about how long it took her GP Practice to make a hospital referral for her son, leaving him without treatment when he was very unwell. She also raised a separate concern about prescriptions being wrong.

Neglect of man's basic needs in hospital and poor communication led to confusion about what was happening

Summary 51 | March 2014

Mrs B complained about the care provided to her husband in hospital over an eight and a half month period leading to his death.

Patient's death from deep vein thrombosis could have been avoided

Summary 50 | March 2014

A GP practice failed to properly investigate an older woman's symptoms over two appointments, or refer her for further tests. If it had, her death could have been avoided.

Concerns about maternity care after child birth

Summary 49 | March 2014

Ms B complained that after giving birth to twins, there was a delay in diagnosing she had a hernia, and she was wrongly told she had retained products of conception (parts of the placenta left in the womb after childbirth). Ms B said that that this resulted in her suffering significant pain, stress and depression.

Poor complaint handling by NHS trust caused distress

Summary 48 | March 2014

Miss A complained about the communication of her cancer diagnosis and the way the Trust dealt with her complaint about this.

Inappropriate discharge of terminally ill patient caused patient and family distress

Summary 47 | March 2014

Ms P, who was terminally ill, was discharged from hospital without appropriate checks that she could manage at home. She had to be readmitted the following day by emergency ambulance.

GP and NHS trust provided poor care for broken neck

Summary 46 | March 2014

While Mr F was in prison, he suffered a neck injury. He was unhappy about the care he received.

Hospital misinterpreted a scan of patient with lung cancer

Summary 45 | March 2014

Mr A had a scan at a hospital trust that showed abnormalities, but which the Trust said was clear.

Wife distressed by poor standard of hospital care her husband received

Summary 44 | March 2014

Mr P was admitted to hospital with a fractured right ankle which, because of his underlying medical conditions, was a serious injury.

Mental health trust provided appropriate support

Summary 43 | March 2014

Mr U wanted more psychological therapy and support to find housing.