Decision Report 201508258

Summary

Mr C contacted NHS24 to tell them that he had taken an overdose of paracetamol. He was advised to go to the local A&E department as soon as possible for blood tests and treatment. He agreed to do so. He called back some time later advising that he no longer intended to go to A&E. As a result, NHS24 asked a doctor from the board's GP out-of-hours service to call him. The doctor called and discussed the potential impact of the overdose and highlighted how important it was to attend A&E but Mr C still refused to attend. Following the call, the doctor discussed Mr C's call with the specialist mental health team and they suggested that the doctor call for an ambulance to attend Mr C's home.

Mr C complained to our office as he was unhappy that the doctor failed to take appropriate steps to ensure he was safe following the call.

We considered Mr C's concerns and reviewed the board's records. We also sought independent advice from an adviser who is a GP. Having done so, we were satisfied that the doctor did provide appropriate advice to Mr C and, by calling an ambulance, the doctor had taken appropriate steps to ensure his safety. As a result, we did not uphold the complaint.