Overview
The Complainant (Mr C) had a heart attack in December 2002. Mr C said that as he was 55 years old at that time, a heavy smoker, and always complaining of chest pain his. He felt that GP 1 should have sent him to a specialist to check his heart condition.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) inadequate care and treatment led to Mr C having a heart attack. GP 1 did not provide Mr C with adequate care and treatment which resulted in him having a heart attack (not upheld);
- (b) GP 1 inappropriately prescribed venlafaxine (not upheld);
- (c) GP 1 inappropriately suggested on a number of occasions that Mr C take ibuprofen (not upheld);
- (d) GP 1’s record keeping was not of a professional standard because there were significant omissions. (not upheld); and
- (e) GP 1’s record keeping was not of a professional standard because parts of the record were illegible (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that GP 1 takes action to ensure that he produces records that are legible.
GP 1 has accepted the recommendation and will act on it accordingly.