Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised a number of concerns about delay in him accessing appropriate care from NHS Lothian's Primary Care Mental Health Services. He also complained that there was a delay in reporting child protection issues and in responding to his complaint.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) there was a delay in Mr C receiving appropriate care following his initial assessment (not upheld);
- (b) child protection issues were not reported for a two week period, contrary to guidance, and that Mr C was not offered appropriate support (upheld); and
- (c) there was a delay in responding to Mr C's complaint (not upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) write to Mr C acknowledging that the Community Mental Health Nurse Therapist should have acted sooner on the issue of child protection and apologising to him for the delay in doing so.
The Board have accepted the recommendation and will act on it accordingly.