Summary: The Ombudsman cannot investigate Ms X’s complaint about the care her brother received because it concerns matters that are solely the responsibility of the NHS.

The complaint

1. Ms X complains on behalf of her bother, Mr Y, about the health care he received prior to his death. She says that she made a safeguarding referral that was not properly investigated.

Back to top

The Ombudsman’s role and powers

2. 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 34A, as amended)

Back to top

How I considered this complaint

3. I considered the complaint and information provided by the Council. I have written to Ms X with my draft decision and given her an opportunity to comment.

Back to top

What I found

4. Mr Y passed away in October 2019. Ms X says that the care delivered before this was inadequate and contributed to the decline in Mr Y’s health.
5. The bodies and services Ms X names in her complaint are all NHS services so the Ombudsman cannot investigate.

Back to top

Final decision

6. The Ombudsman cannot investigate this complaint because it concerns matters that are solely the responsibility of the NHS.

Back to top

Investigator's decision on behalf of the Ombudsman