Overview
The complainant Mr C raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment provided by two General Practitioners (GP 1 and GP 2) to his mother (Mrs A) prior to her death.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that:
- (a) GP 1 and GP 2 failed to respond appropriately to Mrs A's symptoms (upheld);
- (b) GP 1 failed to refer Mrs A to the pain clinic quickly enough (not upheld); and
- (c) GP 1's letter referring Mrs A to the pain clinic was inadequate (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that:
- (i) both GP 1 and GP 2 raise this case at their annual appraisal with a view to incorporating further training on recognising the progress of cancer into their continuing professional development;
- (ii) GP 1 raises this case at her annual appraisal to ensure that she fully understands which information should appropriately be included in referral letters.; and
- (iii) the Practice apologise to Mr C for the shortcomings identified in this report.
The Practice have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.