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Case ref:201604585
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Date:April 2017
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Body:A Medical Practice in the Highland NHS Board area
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Sector:Health
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Outcome:Not upheld, no recommendations
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Subject:clinical treatment / diagnosis
Summary
Mrs C complained to us that at numerous consultations over a nine-month period, the medical practice failed to provide her with appropriate treatment for her reported pain in her right arm. By the time she was referred for a specialist hospital opinion, a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system) was made. Mrs C believed that the GPs at the practice should have referred her to hospital earlier and that as a result she has had to undergo courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
We obtained independent GP advice. We found that during the relevant period, in addition to the consultations at the practice, Mrs C attended the pain clinic and referrals to other departments. She also underwent an MRI scan and x-rays were taken. The symptoms which Mrs C reported to the practice were not in keeping with a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
We found that the practice arranged appropriate referrals and also closely monitored Mrs C's pain relief whilst communicating frequently with the pain clinic specialists. We therefore did not uphold Mrs C's complaint.