Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the investigation and diagnosis of her sister (Mrs A)'s breast cancer by Mrs A's GP practice (the Practice) from May 2010 until November 2010.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Practice failed to investigate Mrs A's symptoms properly within a reasonable time (upheld);
- (b) the failure by the Practice to diagnose Mrs A's condition was not reasonable (not upheld); and
- (c) the Practice failed to refer Mrs A to hospital within a reasonable time (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Practice:
- (i) undertake a further Critical Event Analysis of Mrs A's care to consider their care of patients with cancer, particularly around presentations which may signal metastatic disease; and
- (ii) apologise to Mrs A and her family for the failures identified.
The Practice have confirmed they will act on the recommendations accordingly.