A council has said it will undertake a thorough review after it received a complaint about the handling of a woman’s care.

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigated a complaint about the care provided to a woman named only as Mrs M by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and the way Lancashire County Council dealt with a Mr L.

The Ombudsman said it found fault with the council, which failed to fully explain the financial implications of a temporary care home stay to Mr L.

The council also failed to communicate with Mr L about delays in Mrs M leaving a care home, which it added has already been remedied.

The council agreed to an apology and a symbolic payment to remedy the injustice to Mr L, while no fault was found with the hospital trust.

Mr L complained specifically about Mrs M’s discharge from Royal Preston Hospital to a short-term care home placement in November 2022.

The NHS trust and the council did not adequately involve him in the arrangements despite being the attorney for the health and welfare of Mrs M, his mother.

Mr L said communication was poor around when and where the discharge would be to, and also felt the financial implications were not fully explained.

He complained to the Trust earlier in 2022 when it did not recognise he held power of attorney.

The trust told him it would not happen again and it would change its procedure to ensure others did not have the same issue, though this did happen again.

Mr L said he and Mrs M experienced extreme anxiety and were frustrated with the way they were treated, and he also feels his ability to make the best choice for his mother was taken away from him by not being included in the discussions.

A Lancashire County Council spokesperson said: "We treat all complaints with the utmost seriousness, and we have apologised to Mrs M and Mr L for the worry, time and distress this caused.

"Following the Ombudsman’s findings, we have undertaken a thorough review of this case, so that we can establish what lessons can and should be learned for the future.

“Staff have been reminded of the crucial importance of inviting all the relevant people involved, to discharge to assess review meetings.

“We have improved procedures to make sure staff are aware of the relevant guidance and legislation as well as their own responsibilities in this area, and additional training has been offered to any member of staff should they need it.

“We are wholeheartedly committed to providing the right support to people who need social care and their families, and ensuring that lessons are learned for the future."