Source · SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman)

A Medical Practice in the Tayside NHS Board area

SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman) Not Upheld Reference 201301600 Sector Health Category clinical treatment / diagnosis Decided 01 December 2013

Full decision

Summary

Mr C complained that a GP provided him with inadequate care and treatment. Mr C visited the GP because he had pain on the left side of his head. He said the GP diagnosed shingles and prescribed inappropriate medication, an antidepressant.

We looked at Mr C's medical records and took independent advice from one of our medical advisers. In the absence of any independent evidence from the consultation, however, we could not reach a definitive finding on exactly what was said there. We found that the medical records showed that the GP had noted that there was no shingles rash present, and had treated Mr C for nerve pain. We also found that the medication prescribed was appropriate for this, as although it is an antidepressant, it is also frequently used to treat nerve pain. We concluded that the GP provided a reasonable level of care and treatment in the circumstances.

Related reading

View Decision Report 201301600 as a PDF (11.02 KB) Updated: March 13, 2018

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