SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman) Not Upheld

A Medical Practice in the Fife NHS Board area

201911284 · Health › clinical treatment / diagnosis · Decision date: 01 November 2020

Full Decision

Summary

C complained to the practice about their failure to diagnose that they were at risk of suffering a heart attack when they attended the practice on two occasions. The GPs had diagnosed a chest infection; however, C’s condition deteriorated and they were admitted to hospital where it was discovered they had suffered a heart attack. C felt that the GPs should have diagnosed their heart condition sooner and that if they had then their heart would not have been so damaged.

We took independent advice from a GP. We found that the GPs involved in C’s care carried out appropriate assessments and that the symptoms which C presented with were not indicative of cardiac problems. We did not uphold the complaint.

Related reading

View Decision Report 201911284 as a PDF (24.07 KB) Updated: November 18, 2020