Investigation reports

Shared decision making in a healthcare setting is about involving patients and their families in decisions about their clinical care.  

Not only does this foster a more compassionate, effective healthcare service, it is vital for patient safety.  By listening to and working with patients, a service is more likely to understand and meet their needs, and be responsive when safety problems are raised.

We often receive complaints from patients and their families that they should have had more involvement in their care. Click on the headings to read summaries of some of our investigations into these complaints:

A report by the Ombudsman has criticised elements of the care provided to a patient by Spire Independent Healthcare, based in Blackpool (Lancashire). The patient was referred to Spire under a waiting list initiative operated by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.