Decision Report 201809210

Summary

C complained about the care and treatment they received from the practice. C had a history of back pain and attended a consultation at the practice. During the consultation, the GP discussed a number of pain relief medications with C and a prescription was made.

Approximately three weeks later, C presented to a hospital and received emergency treatment for cauda equina syndrome (a rare and serious neurological condition that affects the bundle of nerves (cauda equina) at the base of the spine). C raised concern that the practice missed signs of cauda equina syndrome when they attended the practice a number of weeks earlier. They were also unhappy with the treatment provided at the time.

We received independent advice from an appropriately qualified adviser. We found that an appropriate assessment was performed during the GP consultation. Having considered the accounts of C and the practice, we concluded that the practice did not miss red flags for cauda equina syndrome. We also considered that the discussion regarding medication and prescription were reasonable. We did not uphold C's complaint.