Clinical treatment outside hospital; GP : A GP Surgery in the area of Hywel Dda University Health Board

Ms X complained about the care and treatment provided by the Practice to her young son. She said that the Practice failed to examine and correctly treat her son in relation to his severe breathing/nasal problems which were affecting his eating and sleeping. Ms X also complained that the Practice failed to correctly diagnose and treat her son in relation to his eye infection.

The investigation found that the Practice carried out appropriate investigations into the symptoms described and made an appropriate referral to the Health Board’s Ear, Nose and Throat department (“the ENT”). (The Practice had also made a reasonable decision that the advice from ENT was adequate).
The investigation found that the assessment and management of the child’s eye infection was reasonable. A swab was taken, an examination carried out and medication prescribed. Although antibiotics were prescribed a few days later, the Ombudsman was satisfied that this did not amount to unreasonable care and treatment, particularly as this appeared to have resolved the problem.