Overview
The complainant (Mrs C) raised a number of concerns about the care and treatment her son (Master A), then six and a half years old, received from the GPs at Master A’s medical practice (the Practice) from May to August 2011. Master A subsequently attended Ninewells Hospital in Dundee and then the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, where he was diagnosed with cancer (Burkitt's Lymphoma stage IV). He received treatment but, sadly, died.
Specific complaints and conclusions
The complaints which have been investigated are that from May 2011 GPs at the Practice:
- (a) failed to provide Master A with appropriate clinical treatment in view of his reported symptoms (upheld); and
- (b) unreasonably delayed referring Master A for a specialist hospital opinion (upheld).
Redress and recommendations
The Ombudsman recommends that the Practice:
- (i) provide Mrs C and her husband with a written apology for the failings identified in this report; and
- (ii) provide my office with evidence that this case has been discussed with all GPs involved as a learning tool and that all learning points are taken forward as part of their continuous professional development.
The Practice have accepted the recommendations and will act on them accordingly.