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Case ref:202006020
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Date:August 2021
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Body:A Medical Practice in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board area
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Sector:Health
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Outcome:Not upheld, no recommendations
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Subject:Clinical treatment / diagnosis
Summary
C complained that the practice failed to provide their parent (A) with appropriate medical treatment. A had health problems affecting their heart and lungs and was under the care of hospital specialists. A reported symptoms of back pain and weight loss and had a number of telephone consultations at the practice and was given painkillers. A deteriorated and was referred immediately to hospital where they were diagnosed with cancer. C felt that A should have been referred to hospital earlier in view of their rapid weight loss and pain symptoms.
We took independent advice from an appropriately qualified adviser. We found that A was under the care of hospital specialists for their longstanding health problems and although A had reported some symptoms to GPs at the practice, there were no red flag signs to indicate that A was suffering from cancer. We considered that the treatment provided by the practice was of a reasonable standard. Therefore, we did not uphold the complaint.