Decision Report 201507658

Summary

Miss C complained about the care and treatment provided to her father (Mr A) when he attended his medical practice with urinary problems. Tests and investigations indicated prostate cancer that had spread to Mr A's bones and he was admitted to hospital shortly after. Mr A's condition deteriorated significantly due to sepsis (a bacterial infection of the blood) and he died a few days later. Miss C complained that the practice failed to properly investigate Mr A's symptoms, that the treatment decisions were unreasonable and that the family's concerns were not taken seriously.

We took independent advice from a specialist in general practice. We found the standard of care and treatment provided was reasonable, including the investigations carried out and Mr A's referral to hospital. We did not find that the practice failed to take seriously the concerns of Mr A's family. We therefore did not uphold Miss C's complaint.