Decision Report 201508160

Summary

Mr C complained about the care and treatment provided to his late father (Mr A) when he was admitted to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary early in 2015. Clinicians said Mr A had an inflammatory mass in keeping with complicated appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) and was treated with antibiotics and discharged. Mr A was readmitted to hospital the following month when his abdominal pain worsened and he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that had spread. Mr C complained that despite Mr A presenting with symptoms indicating a serious condition, clinicians failed to consider the possibility of bowel cancer and carry out appropriate tests, investigations and referrals.

We took independent advice from our medical adviser. We found that the care and treatment provided by the board was reasonable including that referrals and investigations were arranged within a reasonable time during both of Mr A's admissions to hospital. We were also satisfied there was no evidence suggesting that hospital clinicians missed symptoms suggesting bowel cancer.