Overview
The complainant, Mrs C, who suffered from an anal fissure, was concerned that her general practitioner (the GP) waited too long before referring her to hospital and that the GP prescribed Proctosedyl (a cream which is used to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling in rectal lesions) for too long.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that the GP:
- (a) waited too long before referring Mrs C to hospital (not upheld); and
- (b) prescribed Proctosedyl for too long (upheld).
Redress and recommendation
The Ombudsman recommends that the GP:
- (i) reacquaint herself with the use of topical steroids; and
- (ii) apologise to Mrs C for prescribing Proctosedyl for too long.
The GP has accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.