Decision Report 201705275

Summary

Mrs C complained about the care and treatment she received at Ninewells Hospital. Mrs C had previously received treatment for breast cancer and had been monitored over the years following this.

Mrs C complained that a mammogram (an x-ray test of the breasts) was not performed at a review appointment. The board said that Mrs C had already received the last of the planned annual follow-up mammograms and she did not require one when she attended for a review.

We took independent advice from a consultant breast surgeon. We found that Mrs C had received follow-up mammograms in accordance with national and local guidelines. We concluded that it was reasonable that Mrs C was not offered a mammogram at the review. We did not uphold Mrs C’s complaint.

Mrs C also complained that she was not offered an emergency appointment for breast imaging following a consultation with the Lymphoedema Service (a service managing problems with the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body). We found that it was reasonable that Mrs C was not offered emergency breast imaging and we did not uphold this complaint.

Finally, Mrs C considered that the board’s response to her complaint contained inaccurate information. We reviewed the evidence available and we were unable to conclude that the board had provided inaccurate information. We did not uphold this complaint.