SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman) Not Upheld

A Medical Practice in the Forth Valley NHS Board area

201501912 · Health › clinical treatment / diagnosis · Decision date: 01 December 2015

Full Decision

Summary

Mr C complained about the care and treatment provided to his wife (Mrs C) by her GP practice in relation to her stomach problems. The practice investigated her stomach problems by carrying out blood tests and arranging for further investigations in hospital. When she was admitted to hospital, it was subsequently established that she had a mass on her liver, and it was confirmed that she had secondary cancer of the liver. Mr C complained of a lack of treatment and investigations into Mrs C's symptoms by the practice, and said that if they had taken her abdominal problems more seriously, then the cancer would have been diagnosed sooner.

We took independent advice from one of our medical advisers, who specialises in general practice. We found that the practice properly investigated Mrs C's symptoms, including making referrals to secondary care within a reasonable time, and that, overall, the treatment provided was reasonable.

Related reading

View Decision Report 201501912 as a PDF (11.05 KB) Updated: March 13, 2018