Decision Report 201708256

Summary

Mr C complained that the board failed to ensure their mental health service for children and young people (CAMHS) provided a reasonable standard of care and treatment. Mr C said that he had a diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder (a  developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people) from CAMHS but that they failed to explore potential mental health conditions during the period in question or provide appropriate treatment.

We took independent advice from a specialist in the services provided by CAMHS practitioners. We found that in many respects the CAMHS practitioners who assessed Mr C provided a reasonable standard of care and treatment in relation to diagnosis, management and referrals. We also took into account that it appeared Mr C refused to meet with senior staff to discuss his concerns. However, we found that Mr C's case was complex and he experienced considerable difficulties which had a significant impact on him. We also found that there were missed opportunities to engage with Mr C and to consider further referrals to ensure his mental health needs were met. Therefore, we upheld Mr  C's complaint.

Recommendations

What we asked the organisation to do in this case:

• Apologise to Mr C for the missed opportunities to engage with him and to consider further referrals to ensure his mental health needs were met. The apology should meet the standards set out inthe SPSO guidelines on apology available at www.spso.org.uk/leaflets-and-guidance

What we said should change to put things right in future:

• Relevant CAMHS practitoners should reflect on this complaint and its findings.