Decision Report 201607900

Summary

Mr C attended his GP practice because he was concerned that he may have Lyme disease (an infection transmitted by ticks). He said that the practice failed to follow reasonable process in diagnosing him with Lyme disease. He was prescribed antibiotics on two occasions, some months apart. Mr C said that a GP had failed to note in his medical records that he had a reaction eight days into the second course of antibiotics, which Mr C said was crucial evidence that he had the disease. As a result of the practice's failure to recognise Mr C had Lyme disease, he said that he was concerned for his future health. Mr C also complained that the practice had failed to provide reasonable explanations in their response to his complaint.

We took independent advice from a GP adviser. We found that the treatment decisions and investigations carried out by the practice were reasonable in light of the symptoms Mr C presented with. We found that it was reasonable that the practice referred Mr C to several specialists, who did not confirm that Mr C had Lyme disease. We were satisfied that the standard of medical care and treatment was reasonable and we did not uphold the complaint.

In relation to complaints handling, we found that the practice properly explained the rationale behind the decision-making on treatment and managing Mr C's symptoms, and that the responses were fair and appropriate. We did not uphold the complaint.