Overview
The complainant (Mr C) complained on behalf of his wife (Mrs C), concerning the care and treatment she received prior to being diagnosed as having ovarian cancer.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) Mrs C's care and treatment were inadequate and, despite her history of breast cancer and an ovarian cyst, no follow-up appointment was made for her in November 2003 (upheld);
- (b) in Mrs C's circumstances, a hysterectomy should have been considered much earlier (not upheld); and
- (c) Mrs C's treatment was dictated by financial concerns (not upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS Board (the Board) proffer a sincere apology to Mrs C for the failure to treat her properly. Further, in view of the Consultant's comments about not doing anything differently, and given the Board's comments at paragraph 15, the Ombudsman requests that the Board provide her with a copy of the 2008 audit of Guideline 34.
The Board have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.