Decision Report 201502980

Summary

A GP was called to Mrs A's home when she was experiencing breathing difficulties. The GP examined Mrs A and prescribed medication. Two days later Mrs A was admitted to hospital with respiratory failure. Mrs A subsequently complained to the practice about the care and treatment she received at the home visit. The practice explained the reasons why the GP had made his decisions and indicated that they considered that these had been reasonable. Mrs A remained dissatisfied and Mrs C, who works for an advice agency, complained to us on behalf of Mrs A. Specifically, Mrs A wanted to see if there was a preventable delay in her care.

We took independent advice from a GP adviser. The adviser reviewed the medical records for the home visit and considered that the symptoms and signs recorded were consistent with the diagnosis made, which was an acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The adviser told us that the GP had identified this appropriately and treated Mrs A in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance relevant to COPD in Scotland.

Overall, the adviser was satisfied that the practice's care and treatment of Mrs A was reasonable. We agreed with this advice, and did not uphold the complaint.