Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns that the needs of his mother-in-law (Mrs A) had been inappropriately assessed by social work staff from East Renfrewshire Council (ERC SWD), when she was discharged from hospital to Mr and Mrs C's home in Glasgow; and that they did not make an appropriate referral to their counterparts at Glasgow City Council Social Services (GCC SWD).
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) following meetings on 17 August 2005 and 6 September 2005, ERC SWD failed to contact GCC SWD to arrange for Mrs A's needs to be assessed (not upheld);
- (b) ERC SWD failed to advise Mr C and his wife (Mrs C) as to what entitlement to assistance there might be for caring for Mrs A in their home (not upheld); and
- (c) ERC SWD failed to advise Mr and Mrs C that, to qualify for grant aid for the installation of bathroom facilities for Mrs A, prior approval of the works was required (not upheld).
Redress and recommendation
Although not upholding the complaint, the Ombudsman recommended that the Council review the issue of advice to relatives of patients previously relying on support from the Council's Social Work Department on discharge from hospital to a relative's care. The Council informed her that they are happy to take on board the recommendation and to review the advice currently given.