An ombudsman investigation into delays in care for a prostate cancer patient has sparked a wider probe.

Public Service Ombudsman for Wales Nick Bennett is now investigating a further 16 cases at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board where patients potentially waited in excess of a 62-day target for treatment.

The case which sparked the wider probe centred on a patient known as Mr Y who was first referred for treatment in May 2019 and should have received definitive care for his cancer within 62 days.

He was told on August 13 that year the waiting time for urgent treatment was three months, which would have meant him being 106 days over the target date.

The report said: “Considering the professional advice that early radical treatment was essential in high-risk disease, a three month wait for definitive treatment was unacceptable regardless of the RTT Rules. This was a service failure.”

Fearing the potential impact on his health Mr Y sought care privately and the ombudsman ruled he should receive a redress payment of £8,171, the cost of his therapy, and an apology from the health board.

Accepting the ombudsman’s decision Gill Harris, acting chief executive of BCUHB, said: “We offer our sincere apologies to Mr Y for the delay in offering treatment and the additional distress this caused.

“We have considered the ombudsman’s report very carefully and we are determined to translate the very significant points of learning identified into service improvements which ensure that people receive better, safer and more timely care.”

The board also agreed to set up a group to review the urology service, particularly in relation to high-risk cancer patients.

But the case has sparked a wider investigation.

“I have now commenced an investigation into the matter as I believe there are many other patients who were potentially left waiting too long for treatment,” the ombudsman said.

“Mr Y was left with a stark choice; wait for treatment not knowing what impact this would have on his prognosis and future treatment, or pay for private treatment to mitigate the uncertainty. This is clearly unacceptable.

“This time we had a look and realised there could be another 16 in the same boat as Mr Y.

“We don’t have to just draw the line now, publish the report and cross our fingers that something isn’t a systemic issue, we can have a look.”

Previously the Ombudsman could only look into the complaint presented and wait for others to come forward.

The Ombudsman can also initiate consultations without a complaint.

Mr Bennett added: “There are real reasons to have these powers. With this case we can go further and see if there are any broader systemic failings for other patients in North Wales.

“I want everyone to know about our office and to know we are here for them if they feel they’ve had a serious service failing.”