Overview
The complaint concerns the care and treatment of the complainant (Mr C)'s late wife (Mrs C) by a doctor (Doctor 1) from an out-of-hours General Practitioner Service (the Service) in December 2002.
Specific complaint and conclusion
The complaint which has been investigated is that Doctor 1 failed to provide Mrs C with adequate care and treatment during a home consultation on 31 December 2002 (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that:
- (i) Doctor 1 issue Mr C and his family with a full formal apology for the failures identified in this Report; and
- (ii) the apology should be in accordance with the Ombudsman's guidance note on 'apology' (which sets out what is meant and what is required for a meaningful apology).
Doctor 1 has accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.