Decision Report 201600717

Summary

Ms C, who works for an advocacy and support agency, complained on behalf of her client (Mr A). Mr A said that his medical practice had not provided him with reasonable care and treatment regarding blood tests and referral for specialist opinion. Mr A attended the practice from 2011 with a low platelet count and a lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) count that was intermittently rising but still within the range that would be considered normal.

Mr A was referred to the haematology department in 2012. He then attended the practice for blood tests several times from 2012 to 2015. The practice had requested advice from haematology in relation to follow-up and further tests but had not received this advice. The results of the blood tests carried out at the practice were similar to those in 2011 until 2015 when the lymphocyte count increased and tests indicated possible lymphoma (a type of cancer).

We took independent medical advice from a GP adviser and found that the practice had acted reasonably in relation to blood taken and analysed at the practice, so we did not uphold the complaint.

The practice had carried out an analysis of the events surrounding Mr A's case. The outcome of this was that advice requests to specialists would now be made in a way that would ensure a response regarding follow-up and advice.

Recommendations

What we asked the organisation to do in this case:

• The practice should issue a written apology to Mr A for failing to refer him to haematology to investigate abnormalities in blood test results.

We have asked the organisation to provide us with evidence that they have implemented the recommendations we have made on this case by the deadline we set.