Clinical treatment outside hospital; GP : A GP Practice in the area of Swansea Bay University Health Board Report Date 01/05/2025 Case Against A GP Practice in the area of Swansea Bay University Health Board Subject Clinical treatment outside hospital; GP Case Reference Number 202403148 Outcome Not Upheld Mr B complained that a GP Practice in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area (‘the Practice’) removed his access to a supply of ‘just in case’ antibiotics for his longstanding bilateral bronchiectasis.
Mr B had a 7-day supply of antibiotics on repeat prescription but had not had a review of his bronchiectasis or antibiotic use since late 2019. The Practice realised in October 2023 that Mr B had requested 4 issues of antibiotics in the previous 12 months. The Practice Pharmacist attempted to contact Mr B but was unable to. The prescription was therefore altered the prescription so that Mr B could get 1 further prescription with advice that a GP should carry out a review.
Mr B made an appointment in December 2023 as he was concerned about his more frequent antibiotic use, which coincided with the Practice wishing to review him. At this appointment the GP referred Mr B to a respiratory consultant for review and their opinion. The GP also removed the ‘just in case’ antibiotics and instead advised Mr B to seek urgent medical help if he felt he required these.
The investigation found that the actions of the GP were within the range of appropriate clinical practice, and that the care and treatment provided by the Practice did not amount to service failure which caused a significant injustice or hardship to Mr B. Therefore, the complaint was not upheld.