Media statements

Ombudsman Rob Behrens comments on the report released today by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which assesses health and social care in England. The report found that workforce pressures have escalated. The number of people on waiting lists for treatment...

The Ombudsman has written to homecare medicine provider, Sciensus, outlining his concerns about complaints PHSO has received about its complaint handling, and issues complainants have experienced with its service. In his letter, the Ombudsman asks Sciensus to urgently review how...

Ombudsman Rob Behrens responds to The Law Society publishing Proposals for a 21st Century Justice System, a report on changes to the civil justice system which would improve access to justice. Rob Behrens said: “When things go wrong in public...

The Ombudsman has written to the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, following the Trusts appearance before the Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The Committee met to consider the findings of a report into the way the Trust recorded...

Ombudsman Rob Behrens comments on University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) review into culture that was published today. “Patient safety must be a priority, but for that to happen, the Trust has to listen to its staff and patients...

The Lucy Letby inquiry has been given statutory status, meaning that it now has use of all the legal powers available, including the power to compel witnesses to give evidence. Earlier this month, Ombudsman Rob Behrens wrote to the Health...

Ombudsman Rob Behrens has written to the Health Secretary urging him to prioritise improving patient safety in the wake of the Lucy Letby trial. He has called for the proposed inquiry into the events at the Countess of Chester NHS...

Commenting on the verdict in the trial of Lucy Letby, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Rob Behrens said: “We know that, in general, people work in the health service because they want to help and that when things go wrong...

In response to today's report from the Royal College of Midwives that shows expectant and new mothers are not receiving adequate mental health care during and post-pregnancy, Chief Executive of PHSO, Rebecca Hilsenrath, said: “Preparing for the birth of a...

In August 2022, prompting several investigations which uncovered serious issues around the culture and leadership of University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), the National Ombudsman, Rob Behrens triggered the Emerging Concerns Protocol. The Protocol provides a process for regulators and oversight bodies...