Summary
C complained that the practice had prescribed them with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for a period of approximately four months despite knowing that they were trying to conceive. C said that they had subsequently attended a fertility clinic and were advised by a specialist that HRT would have a negative impact on their fertility. The practice identified learning and improvement from C’s complaint. They apologised to C for the frustration and distress caused to them by their experience.
We took independent advice from a GP adviser. We found that it was unclear from the medical records if the prescription of HRT was fully discussed with C to ensure that they understood the implications on their fertility and general health. We found that it was unreasonable for the practice to have prescribed C with HRT in the absence of their clear informed decision. Therefore, we upheld the complaint.
Recommendations
What we asked the organisation to do in this case: Apologise to C for the prescription of HRT in the absence of their clear informed decision. The apology should meet the standards set out in the SPSO guidelines on apology available at www.spso.org.uk/information-leaflets.
We have asked the organisation to provide us with evidence that they have implemented the recommendations we have made on this case by the deadline we set.
Related reading
View Decision Report 202206587 as a PDF (25.46 KB) Updated: June 19, 2024