Decision Report 201600069

Summary

Mrs C complained about the care and treatment provided by the board to her husband (Mr A). In particular, she said that there was an unreasonable delay in diagnosing him with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system) and that a procedure involving a drain to his lungs was not carried out to a reasonable standard.

We took independent advice from consultants in nephrology (the study of the kidney) and haematology (the study of the blood) and we found that on his admission to hospital, Mr A was seriously ill and suffering from numerous illnesses including heart and lung disease and diabetes. He was admitted to investigate anaemia (a deficiency of red cells in the blood) but on examination was found to have a liver dysfunction and an enlarged liver and spleen. Appropriate tests were made at Monklands Hospital and Mr A was treated for his presenting symptoms. However, his condition continued to worsen and a scan followed with various biopsies being undertaken. These confirmed that Mr A had lymphoma. While Mr A's diagnosis was delayed, this was not unreasonable as priority had been given to his presenting symptoms and existing illnesses. Tests were difficult because of these.

Mr A's treatment options were limited because of his many illnesses and his cancer did not respond to chemotherapy. His declining condition led to further complications including a collapsed lung and Mr A later died. We found that Mr A's symptoms had been treated reasonably and therefore we did not uphold Mrs C's complaint.