Overview
The complainant (Ms C), an advocate, raised a number of concerns on behalf of Mr A. Mr As late wife (Mrs A) was referred urgently by her GP for the investigation of symptoms suggestive of breast cancer on three occasions within a period of seven months. Mrs A was referred urgently to the Breast Clinic at the Western Isles Hospital (the Clinic) in Stornoway three times between May and November 2008 but she was not referred on to the Highland Breast Centre in Inverness (the Breast Centre) until December 2008. Cancer was diagnosed in January 2009. Mrs A was a young woman whose first child was under two years old when she first reported her symptoms to her GP. By the time the cancer was diagnosed, she was some 12 weeks pregnant with her second child. Although the child was delivered safely and Mrs A was treated for her cancer, the cancer later returned and she died aged 33 years in June 2011.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that the Board unreasonably delayed diagnosing Mrs A's breast cancer (upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) issues a written apology for the failings identified.
The Board have accepted the recommendation and will act on it accordingly.