Decision Report 201502987

Summary

Mrs C complained on behalf of her late husband (Mr A) about care he received from his GP practice. Mr A attended the practice having been diagnosed with oedema (where fluid collects in the legs and abdomen). He had been prescribed medication to combat the oedema. Mr A was referred to his GP to investigate the cause of the oedema and the GP took blood tests, which were normal. The GP also noted that, apart from the oedema, there were no signs of heart failure. As Mr A was obese, and therefore at greater risk of heart problems, the GP referred him for an echocardiogram (a heart scan that uses sound waves to create images) to investigate any potential heart problems. Mr A passed away before he was seen for a heart scan. The cause of death was an enlarged heart.

We took independent advice from a medical adviser. The adviser was satisfied that the practice had made appropriate investigations into Mr A's symptoms and made an appropriate referral. For this reason, we did not uphold the complaint.