Decision Report 201508472

Summary

Mr C complained to us about the treatment which he received from a GP at the medical practice. He said that he had been unwell for a period of years and that it was suspected he had Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He reported to the GP that he had further bowel problems and that he wanted to be referred to hospital. Mr C said that the GP refused to refer him to hospital. He continued to be in pain for a further week, and attended hospital himself where he was diagnosed with septicaemia and a cancerous tumour.

The practice maintained that due to the symptoms reported by Mr C there was no indication that an immediate hospital admission was required. The practice were aware that Mr C had already been referred for a colonoscopy and the GP took steps to give the referral more priority.

We took independent advice from an adviser who is a GP. We found that Mr C's GP was aware of his clinical history, took note of his presenting symptoms and made out an appropriate prescription. There was no indication that Mr C reported acute abdominal pain which warranted emergency hospital admission that day, and it was appropriate to speed up the priority of the colonoscopy referral. We did not uphold Mr C's complaint.