Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised concerns about the inadequate care and treatment her daughter (Ms A) received at her previous medical practice (the Practice). The complaint concerns the lack of investigation into a lump on Ms A's neck and her symptom of tiredness. Ms A had several consultations with two GPs at the Practice, Doctor 1 and Doctor 2, between July and December 2010. When she registered with a different medical practice in early 2011 it was identified after further investigation that she had cancer of the thyroid. Ms A subsequently underwent treatment, including a thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine treatment.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that Doctor 1 failed to adequately assess Ms A's reported symptoms of a lump in her neck and tiredness on 10 August 2010 (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that:
- (i) Doctor 1 and Doctor 2 apologise to Ms A for the failings identified in this report; and
- (ii) Borders NHS Board ensures that Doctor 1 and Doctor 2 reflect on the failings that have been identified in this report at their next appraisal.