Decision Report 202008532

Summary

C, an advocacy worker, submitted a complaint on behalf of their client (A). A received treatment from the board for muscular dystrophy (a group of inherited genetic conditions that gradually cause muscles to weaken) over a period of four years. While visiting abroad, A received an alternative diagnosis of polymyositis (a group of rare diseases that involve chronic muscle inflammation and weakness, and in some cases, pain). A complained that their condition was not appropriately investigated or diagnosed, leading to a delay in receiving appropriate care.

We took independent clinical advice from a consultant neurologist (specialist in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system). We found that the investigations carried out by the board were reasonable and on receiving further information from an overseas clinician, the board took reasonable steps to consider this information.

We considered that the board reasonably investigated A's symptoms. Therefore, we did not uphold C's complaint.