Overview
The complainant (Mr C) complained that, as a result of his GP Practice (the Practice) failing to act on his enquiries about a follow up chest scan, there was an 18 month delay in him receiving the scan. When the scan was eventually performed he was diagnosed with lung cancer, and underwent surgery shortly thereafter.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that there was an unreasonable delay between November 2008 and May 2010, caused by the Practice, in Mr C receiving an MRI scan (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Practice:
- (i) conduct a Significant Event Analysis on this case;
- (ii) ensure that the GP discuss this case with his appraiser at his next GP appraisal; and
- (iii) provides Mr C with a full apology for the failures identified within this report.
The Practice have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.