Decision Report 202102527

Summary

C complained about the treatment that they received from the practice during a three year period. C had repeatedly reported symptoms of a cough and breathlessness and was prescribed an inhaler but it took a number of years until they were diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome (a condition which affects parts of the body that produce fluids like tears and spit (saliva)). C believed that action should have been taken by the GP at the practice to arrive at the diagnosis sooner.

We took independent advice from a clinician and found that the GP had provided C with appropriate medical treatment in view of the reported clinical symptoms and that they made a timely referral to hospital specialists. Although C was subsequently diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, this was not as a result of a failing in the treatment provided by the practice. We did not uphold the complaint.