Summary: The Ombudsman will not investigate this complaint about missing Christmas cards and a dressing gown. There is insufficient evidence of injustice warranting an investigation.

The complaint

1. Mrs X complains of the Care Home losing two Christmas cards and a dressing gown that belonged to her late father.

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The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. We investigate complaints about ‘maladministration’ and ‘service failure’. In this statement. 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 the injustice is not significant enough to justify our involvement. (Local Government Act 1974, section 24A(6), as amended)

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How I considered this complaint

3. I have considered the complaint information provided by the complainant. I also shared my draft decision with Mrs X.

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What I found

4. Mrs X says the Care Home discarded 2 Christmas cards and a dressing gown from her father’s room in a care home around the time he died.
5. The Care Home has answered the complaint. Overall it said it was proud to have looked after Mrs X’s father and it could not keep personal items longer than necessary due to lack of space.
6. While I understand the reasons for Mrs X’s complaint - due to the items having sentimental value for her - there is insufficient evidence of injustice to warrant the Ombudsman’s involvement.

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Draft decision

7. The Ombudsman will not investigate due to insufficient evidence of injustice.

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Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman