Overview
The complainant (Mr C) was admitted to the Raigmore Hospital (the Hospital) following a car accident on 19 December 2004. He suffered an injury to his shoulder. Mr C was concerned that this was not correctly diagnosed or followed-up at the time. He complained that subsequently he was seen by a number of different doctors at his General Practice (the Practice) and was not correctly diagnosed until May 2005.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) on 19 December 2004 there was a failure by the Hospital to diagnose the extent of his injuries or arrange appropriate follow-up care; (not upheld);
- (b) at subsequent appointments the the Practice failed to provide adequate care and treatment (not upheld); and
- (c) there was no continuity in the care provided by the Practice because MrChe was seen by so many different doctors. (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that :
during periods when the continuity of care may be problematic the Practice reinforce with all staff the desirability of clarifying, wherever possible, the patient's understanding of the full course of treatment at each contact.
The Practice have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.