Decision report 201100468

Summary
Mr C complained about the care and treatment that his late mother (Mrs A) received from her medical practice prior to her death. He alleged that the practice either failed to diagnose her or diagnosed her incorrectly and that, as a consequence, she did not receive appropriate and timely treatment. Mr C also complained that despite the fact that Mrs A had recently undergone chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer, and was in remission, she was given the 'flu vaccine’. He considered that this was inappropriate and led to her unexpected death.

Our investigation found that on the basis of the information available to them, the practice treated and cared for Mrs A appropriately. Our medical adviser also confirmed that the 'flu vaccine’ was not contra-indicated, and was in fact recommended for patients like Mrs A who had lowered immunity as a consequence of her illness and treatment.