Overview
The complainant (Mr C) raised some concerns that he was treated inappropriately by a consultant (Clinician 1) during a consultation. Mr C also suggested that Clinician 1's suggested treatment was inappropriate.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the conduct of Clinician 1 during the consultation was inappropriate (not upheld); and
- (b) the treatment suggested by Clinician 1 was inappropriate (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Board:
- (i) apologise to Mr C for Clinician 1's failure to clarify the significance of lifestyle rather than sexuality when taking a history from Mr C during the consultation; and
- (ii) ensure Mr C's medical records are amended, where possible, to remove the term 'homosexuality' where it refers to a medical condition, including the GP records, as this is inappropriate.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.