Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman: The 'peoples' ombudsman - how it failed us (Report from the Patients Association, November 2014)

Summary

The Patients Association was formed over fifty years ago. Since then, it has listened to patients concerns and spoken out on their behalf. Not long after the Patients Association took up its role, legislation was enacted by the government to establish the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO). Both organisations have similar values and agendas, intended to help and support the public, the difference being, one is an independent charity, the other a government body afforded all the power and legislation to act with credibility.

However, sadly the Patients Association has no confidence that the PHSO will carry out an independent, fair, open, honest and robust investigation. The Ombudsman is frequently quoted as saying patients who suffer harm or poor care in hospitals are failed by a “toxic cocktail” within the health service, whereby complaints go unheard and lessons unlearned.

The Ombudsman states: ”We are the last resort for complaints about the NHS. We listen to individual complaints and where things have gone wrong, help to get them put right.” The Patients Association, in partnership with the families of those who have contributed to this report, challenge that statement. Nearly 50 years after the PHSO was established, it is time for real and robust change, not just promises and more recommendations. The Patients Association have a clear request to the Government and Public Administration Select Committee-read our patients stories, listen to their concerns, consider our conclusions, recommendations and finally, hold the PHSO to account for its action.