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Ombudsman adjudicates over complaint against GP   5/8/14

An island GP has been asked to take steps to ensure good clinical practice by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO).

It follows a complaint by a woman named only as Mrs C who was concerned by the care and treatment provided to her late mother (Mrs A) by a GP at the medical practice.

Mrs C was unhappy that although Mrs A was complaining of pain and discomfort in her leg, the GP failed to consider the possibility of deep vein thrombosis (DVT - a blood clot in a vein).

A month later, Mrs A died of a bilateral pulmonary embolism - a clot in the blood vessel that transports blood from the heart to the lungs.

An investigation by the ombudsman found that the GP's treatment of Mrs A was reasonable and that the records showed why he had not suspected DVT, given the symptoms that Mrs A had at the time.

An independent medical adviser said that a clinical picture may at the time not be as clear cut as in hindsight.

The GP had since reflected on the incident and had reviewed local guidelines in attempt to prevent this happening again, said the report.

The woman’s complaint about diagnosis and clinical treatment was not upheld.

However, the ombudsman did uphold Mrs C's complaint about complaints handling, as he found that timescales were not met when responding to her letters.

The GP has been asked to take further steps to ensure good clinical practice.

The ombudsman recommends that the practice; ensures that the GP considers the available national guidelines and includes his reflection on these in his next annual appraisal and ensures he considers how he completes his clinical notes and seeks advice to do so.

The GP surgery has been asked to make a formal apology for their delay in dealing with the complaint; and also implement and adhere to NHS guidance on dealing with complaints.