Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the diagnosis of her husband (Mr C) and his treatment for small bowel obstruction. Specifically, she raised concerns that Mr C's GP Practice (the Practice) had delayed referring him to hospital and that the treatment provided by Highland NHS Board (the Board) was inadequate.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) the Practice failed to timeously diagnose Mr C with small bowel obstruction and to refer him to hospital for treatment (upheld); and
- (b) the Board failed to provide appropriate care and treatment for Mr C (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Practice:
- (i) apologise to Mrs C for their failure to review Mr C following her telephone call on 1 August 2006;
- (ii) review their protocol for telephone consultations to ensure that patients are seen by a doctor when necessary in order to exclude more serious diagnoses; and
- (iii) consider the management of severe abdominal pain over the telephone.
The Practice have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.
The Ombudsman has no recommendations in respect of the Board.