NHS ombudsman Rob Behrens: ‘There are serious issues of concern’

The outgoing watchdog for England says there are still ‘too many examples of care not being safe’

• NHS ombudsman warns hospitals are cynically burying evidence of poor care

“This has been a chastening experience,” says Rob Behrens. The NHS ombudsman for England is reflecting on his seven years in the role, which end soon, in which he has acted as the arbiter of last resort for people who have exhausted the health service’s complaints system. Chastening? How?

“Dealing with people who have experienced trauma and bereavement as a result of avoidable death in the NHS requires empathy and compassion alongside impartiality and fairness.