Overview
The complainants, Mr and Mrs C, complained about the care and treatment provided by two GPs (referred to in this report as GP 1 and GP 2) to their son, Mr A, who died on 12 September 2004, aged 15.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) GP 1 and GP 2 failed to investigate Mr A's symptoms and should have done so, even while waiting for referral elsewhere (upheld);
- (b) GP 1 and GP 2 failed to progress a diagnosis of Mr A's condition (upheld);
- (c) GP 1 failed to note the symptom of breathlessness in the records (no finding); and
- (d) GP 1 did not take Mr A's pulse (upheld).
Redress and Recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that:
- (i) GP 1 and GP 2 apologise to Mr and Mrs C for the shortcomings identified in the report; and
- (ii) GP 1 raises complaints (a), (b) and (d) and GP 2 raises complaints (a) and (b) as issues at their annual appraisal and take them into account in their Continuing Professional Development.
GP1 and GP 2 have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.