Decision Report 201810676

Summary

Mrs C, an advice worker, complained on behalf of her client (Mrs A) who had concerns about the treatment which she received from a consultant rheumatologist (specialism of the medical treatment of the musculoskeletal and its disorders) at Raigmore Hospital. Mrs A had a leg ulcer and was being considered for treatment for her arthritis (a disease causing painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints). She requested that the board provide her with a certain medication that she had identified when researching the internet. However, the board refused as the requested medication could not be used as first line treatment until alternative medication had been considered in the first instance.

We took independent advice from a consultant rheumatologist. We found that the decision not to provide the requested medication until alternative first line medication had been attempted was reasonable and in line with accepted medical practice. We did not uphold the complaint.