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Case ref:201703294
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Date:April 2018
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Body:A Medical Practice in the Lanarkshire NHS Board area
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Sector:Health
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Outcome:Not upheld, no recommendations
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Subject:clinical treatment / diagnosis
Summary
Ms C complained on behalf of her late father (Mr A) about the care and treatment he received from the practice prior to his diagnosis of cancer. Mr A presented at the practice with a swollen jaw and neck and was advised to visit his dentist immediately. Mr A later attended the out-of-hours GP service. The practice received the out-of-hours report that stated Mr A had an upcoming appointment at hospital and that he had been referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist. Ms C later contacted the practice as Mr A had become more unwell and an admission to hospital was agreed. Mr A was diagnosed with cancer and died not long after his diagnosis. Ms C complained that more could have been done by the practice to speed up the diagnosis.
We took independent advice from a medical adviser. They reviewed the records and were satisfied that the practice had provided reasonable care at each point of contact. Mr A had been seen by his dentist and out-of-hours services and was soon under the care of a consultant. Therefore, we did not uphold the complaint.