Decision Report 201702309

Summary

Mr C complained about the care and treatment he received in relation to a suspected hernia (a condition where an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall) whilst he was in prison. In particular, that there were delays in being seen by his GP, being referred for an ultrasound scan (a scan that uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside the body), being referred for surgery and concerns over his prescribed medication. Mr C also complained that he was not given a long-term sick line after an initial sick line expired.

We took independent advice from a GP. We found that the time Mr C had to wait for appointments with his GP was reasonable. We also found that he was referred for an ultrasound scan and surgery within a reasonable amount of time and that his medication was reviewed appropriately. Therefore, we did not uphold this aspect of Mr C's complaint.

In relation to Mr C's sick line, we found that it would be reasonable to expect that he would be able to attend classes and carry out light duties whilst waiting for surgery and, therefore, we considered that the GP's decision to refuse a sick line was appropriate. We did not uphold this aspect of Mr C's complaint.