Decision Report 201304808

Summary

Miss C and Mr C had twice taken their son (Master A) to a medical practice with hay fever symptoms. These persisted despite treatment with two different forms of antihistamines, and assessment by an ophthalmologist (a doctor who examines, diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries in and around the eye) that there was nothing apparently wrong with his eyes. Miss C and Mr C then took their son to a hospital out-of-hours service, where they were seen by the same GP they saw at their practice, as he was working as a locum. At this appointment, the doctor was concerned that Master A's symptoms were persisting despite treatment, and referred him to a paediatrician (a doctor dealing with the medical care of infants, children and young people).

Miss C and Mr C complained that, at the appointment, the GP made an inappropriate remark about them seeing him at the hospital as well as at his surgery. They were also concerned that the GP had not done enough to diagnose their son's condition and make a more urgent referral. We sought independent advice from one of our medical advisers, who is an experienced GP. The adviser said that the GP had clearly been concerned about Master A's condition, and that his referral was appropriate, given Master A's symptoms. He also said that if the doctor had made the comments suggested, this was unprofessional and inappropriate. However, we did not find evidence to uphold this concern. We found that Master A's care and treatment was appropriate.