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Case ref:201909985
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Date:July 2020
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Body:A Medical Practice in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde 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
Mrs C complained about the care and treatment provided to her late sister (Ms A) by practice. Ms A had attended the practice on a number of occasions over many months. She had symptoms of low energy and mood, fatigue, and lack of motivation. The practice diagnosed a depressive illness and prescribed antidepressant medication. Ms A continued to deteriorate and was admitted to hospital where it was found that she had had a tumour at the base of her skull and she later died. Mrs C said that the practice should have considered alternative diagnoses rather than depression.
We took independent advice from a GP. We found that it was reasonable for the practice to continue along the route of a depressive illness in view of Ms A's reported symptoms, and it was only when red flag symptoms were reported that it was appropriate to refer Ms A to hospital. Therefore, we did not uphold the complaint.