Overview
The complainant, Ms C, was concerned that, a few weeks after discharge from the Raigmore Hospital (the Hospital) following treatment for an obstructed gallbladder, her father, Mr A, was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Sadly, Mr A died shortly after this diagnosis. In her complaint to the Ombudsman, Ms C was concerned that clinical staff at the Hospital had failed to detect this cancer and, in particular, questioned the quality of an ultrasound examination and why this was regarded as conclusive of Mr A’s diagnosis despite contrary symptoms.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) Mr A’s ultrasound examination was not carried out with due care (not upheld); and
- (b) in arriving at his diagnosis, Mr A’s consultant did not take into account symptoms which conflicted with the ultrasound and, in particular, a CT scan should not have been cancelled (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman has no recommendations to make.