Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the treatment her late husband (Mr C) received from his General Practitioner (GP 2) and at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee (the Hospital). Mrs C complained this led to an unreasonable delay in diagnosing that Mr C was suffering from colon cancer, which later spread to his liver.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) there was delay by GP 2 in referring Mr C to the Hospital in January 2004 (not upheld);
- (b) there was delay by the Hospital in diagnosing Mr C’s cancer (upheld); and
- (c) there was delay by the Hospital in obtaining the results of a CT scan (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Tayside NHS Board (the Board):
- (i) issue Mrs C with a full formal apology for the failures identified in part (b) of the complaint and for the distress that this caused. The apology should be in accordance with the Ombudsman's guidance note on 'apology' (which sets out what is meant and what is required for a meaningful apology);
- (ii) review their procedures for the reporting of CT scan results, particularly where more than one hospital is involved, to ensure that delay in reporting such results, such as occurred with Mr C, does not recur; and
- (iii) issue Mrs C with a full formal apology for the failures identified in part (c) of the complaint and for the distress and anxiety that this caused. The apology should be in accordance with the Ombudsman's guidance note on 'apology' (which sets out what is meant and what is required for a meaningful apology).
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.