Decision Report 202302960

Summary

C complained that the board had unreasonably failed to follow the care plan put in place to support them with their mental health. In particular, C complained that the board had failed to arrange their admission to hospital during an episode of crisis.

The board’s response to C’s complaint advised that they had been appropriately assessed at the time, with it being the view of the mental health service that further support in the community would help to reduce the need for an inpatient admission. The board also advised that, in keeping with the care plan, C’s request for admission had been discussed with a consultant psychiatrist, with the decision not to arrange admission on this occasion being based on clinical opinion.

We took independent advice from a consultant psychiatrist. We found that C’s care plan included provision for a five day admission to hospital when required, however, the need for this would be discussed with a consultant at the time. When C reported feeling low in mood to the mental health service during their episode of crisis, they had responded reasonably, noting that C had been supported by increased phone and face to face contacts. On receiving C’s requests to be admitted to hospital, this had been assessed by the consultant psychiatrist in keeping with the care plan. Overall, we considered that the board had reasonably followed C’s care plan. We did not uphold this complaint.