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Case ref:202002090
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Date:January 2021
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Body:A Medical Practice in the Dumfries and Galloway NHS Board area
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Sector:Health
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Outcome:Not upheld, no recommendations
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Subject:clinical treatment / diagnosis
Summary
C complained on behalf of their spouse (A) about the treatment provided to them. A had a history of cancer and attended the practice with urinary symptoms. A was later diagnosed with bowel cancer which had metastasised (spread to other parts of the body). C complained that the practice's response to A's symptoms, and the length of time it took for A's cancer to be diagnosed, were unreasonable.
We took independent advice from a GP. We considered that A's symptoms were reasonably investigated, with appropriately prioritised referrals being actioned in a timely manner. A's history of cancer was considered when assessing their symptoms. A's symptoms initially aligned with a benign (non-cancerous) condition. When A's presentation changed, appropriate steps were taken, with further investigation and referrals to secondary care. A's pain was reasonably managed. Therefore, we did not uphold the complaint.