Decision report 201103091

Summary
Mr C complained that a GP failed to provide him with appropriate treatment for his throat condition during a home visit. He said that he went to see another GP the next day, who referred him to hospital, where he received treatment for an abscess on his tonsil.

We took advice from our medical adviser. He commented that this type of abscess can develop quickly. He said that, given the GP's account that the appearance of Mr C's throat had changed, the management of Mr C's sore throat had been reasonable.

Mr C also complained that the GPs had misdiagnosed his rhinitis (inflammation of the lining of the nose) as sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) for a number of years. We found that Mr C had been diagnosed with sinusitis at a hospital. Our medical adviser considered that the actions of the GPs in relation to this matter were reasonable. He said that sinusitis and rhinitis can coexist and can be treated in the same way. He also noted that there had been little change in Mr C's management after the diagnosis of rhinitis.

Mr C also complained about the actions of a receptionist and the practice manager when he visited the medical practice. We found that the actions of the members of staff had been reasonable.