Summary: We cannot investigate this complaint about the actions and decisions of an Older Adult Mental Health Team concerning Mr X’s father. This is because the actions are those of an NHS body, not the Council.

The complaint

1. Mr X says there has been a significant shortfall in the service provided to his father, who he says has dementia.
2. The complaint correspondence Mr X provided was with a local Older Adult Mental Health Team and concerned a GP visit, the assessment of his father’s capacity, and planned surgery. He said his father had been left at risk.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

3. The Local Government Act 1974 sets out our powers but also imposes restrictions on what we can investigate.
4. We investigate complaints about councils and certain other bodies. We cannot investigate the actions of bodies such as the NHS. (Local Government Act 1974, sections 25 and 34(1), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

5. I considered information provided by the complainant.
6. I considered the Ombudsman’s Assessment Code.

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Final decision

7. We cannot investigate Mr X’s complaint because the matters complained of are the actions of an NHS body, not the Council.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman