Betsi Cadwaladr apology after woman's two-year surgery wait

A woman who waited more than two years for a shoulder operation is to receive an apology from Betsi Cadwaladr health board.

The Public Services Ombudsman for Wales upheld a complaint over the delay and the handling of treatment.

An investigation found a "complicated history" with the case starting in June 2011 when "Mrs F" was 73.

The health board agreed to apologise and review its arrangements for communicating with patients.

Mrs F underwent surgery to partially replace her left shoulder in June 2011 but, as she was still in pain, she was put on the waiting list for a total replacement in October 2013.

'Additional suffering'

However, after a pre-operation assessment in April 2014, she was deemed unfit for surgery because of a heart problem and taken off the waiting list.

But, after a drawn-out saga, her name was put back on the waiting list in February 2015 and she had the operation in April 2016.

The ombudsman found the removal of Mrs F's name from the waiting list in July 2014 was premature as it had not been established she was unfit for surgery.

"Mrs F has experienced additional suffering because of this delay," said investigation officer Cheryl Davies.

She also said the 197 days it took the health board to give a written response to her complaint was "unreasonable and unjustifiable".