Decision Report 201600555

Summary

Mrs C, who works for an advice and support agency, complained on behalf of her client (Ms A) that her medical practice had failed to investigate, diagnose and treat her symptoms. We took independent medical advice and found that Ms A had previously been referred to a number of specialists. She had no new symptoms that warranted further investigation and it was reasonable not to refer her back to the specialists. We found that the care provided by the practice had been of a reasonable standard and we did not uphold this aspect of Mrs C's complaint.

Ms A considered that she was suffering from Jarisch Herxheimer's reaction (a physical reaction within the body during antibiotic treatment). Mrs C complained that the practice had unreasonably stated that this was not the cause of Ms A's symptoms. We found that this had already been investigated in hospital and there was no evidence that this was the diagnosis. We considered that the practice's comments in relation to this matter had been reasonable and we did not uphold the complaint.

Mrs C also complained that it was unreasonable for the practice to suggest in their diagnosis that that there were psychological or psychiatric factors which were worsening Ms A's physical symptoms. We found that the practice's clinical assessment and opinion on this matter had been reasonable and we did not uphold this aspect of the complaint.