Decision Report 201705871

Summary

Mr C complained on behalf of his wife (Mrs A) who has multiple sclerosis (MS - a condition which can affect the brain and/or spinal cord). Mrs A began to experience leg and back pain and a scan showed she had a ruptured disc. She was referred to see a consultant neurosurgeon (a doctor who specialises in conditions of the nervous system, including the brain, the spine, the spinal cord and nerves). Mr C complained that, despite a number of consultations and opinions, Mrs A was not given a proper diagnosis for the cause of her leg and back pain, nor was she offered surgery or a referral out-with the board's area.

We took independent advice from a consultant neurosurgeon and that we found that Mrs A's case was complicated by her MS. We found that the care provided to Mrs A was in accordance with national guidelines and that clinicians involved made a well reasoned decision not to undertake surgery or refer her elsewhere. We were satisfied that Mrs A had been given reasonable care and treatment. We did not uphold the complaint.