Summary: The Ombudsman has discontinued its investigation of Mr X’s complaint. Mr X’s complaint is about the conduct of individual social workers. Social Work England is the regulating body for social workers and is better placed to investigate Mr X’s complaint.

The complaint

1. Mr X complained about the actions of two Council social workers. He said their actions resulted in him falling and being left on the floor for two hours.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement, I have used the word ‘fault’ to refer to these. We must also consider whether any fault has had an adverse impact on the person making the complaint. I refer to this as ‘injustice’. We provide a free service, but must use public money carefully. We may decide not to start or continue with an investigation if we believe there is another body better placed to consider this complaint.

(Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

3. We can decide whether to start or discontinue an investigation into a complaint within our jurisdiction. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 24A(6) and 34B(8), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

4. I have considered Mr X’s complaint and the Council’s response.
5. I have written to Mr X and the Council with my draft decision and considered their comments.

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What I found

6. Mr X said two social workers from the Council visited his home to complete a review assessment of his care needs. He complained that one of the social workers pushed his wheelchair into the bathroom after he had requested their assistance. He said they did not apply the brake and as a result he fell while transferring to the toilet.
7. He said they tried to help him up but couldn’t. He said they left him with his phone to call an ambulance. He said the paramedics did not arrive for two hours.
8. The Council said, the social workers are not trained in moving and handling. It said they left him with a blanket, a phone and a bottle of water.
9. I consider Mr X’s complaint to be about the conduct of the specific social workers rather than an administrative failure of the Council.
10. Social Work England is the specialist regulator of social workers. Therefore, Mr X would be better to report his complaint to Social Work England.

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Final decision

11. I have discontinued my investigation as another body better placed to consider this complaint.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman