Source · SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman)

A Medical Practice in the Grampian NHS Board area

SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman) Not Upheld Reference 201704515 Sector Health Category communication / staff attitude / dignity / confidentiality Decided 01 August 2018

Full decision

Summary

Mr C complained that the practice refused to register himself and other members of his family as new patients. He also said that the practice failed to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of disabled family members.

We found that the practice had followed their policy in relation to Mr C's registration. The practice declined to register Mr C on the basis of being unable to form a doctor / patient relationship with him because of his conduct which they are entitled to do. Therefore, we did not uphold this part of Mr C's complaint.

Mr C also wanted to register other members of his family as new patients. The practice said that they could not do so unless they came to the practice so that their identification could be verified. This was in line with the practice policy. The practice made this clear to Mr C, however, we found that some later communication was not appropriate. The practice appeared to link the decision to not register Mr C's family to Mr C's behaviour in their communication. However, we noted that the practice acknowledged this mistake and confirmed that members of Mr C's family could still register as new patients, provided that they comply with the registration policy. On balance, we did not uphold this part of Mr C's complaint.

In relation to the practice failing to make reasonable adjustments, we found that Mr C had declined to provide sufficient information about the disabilities of members of his family. Therefore, we considered that the practice did not have enough information to assess whether the adjustment requested was reasonable, or not. We did not uphold this part of Mr C's complaint.

Related reading

View Decision Report 201704515 as a PDF (11.28 KB) Updated: December 2, 2018

View original on SPSO (Scottish Publ… website

Other decisions involving A Medical Practice in the Grampian NHS …

Reference Date Summary Outcome
202302300 01 Jun 2025 C complained that the practice failed to adequately investigate and/or diagnose the cause of their persistent cough. C was subsequently … Upheld
202110880 01 May 2024 C complained that the medical practice failed to provide their late parent (A) with reasonable care and treatment after A … Upheld
202206618 01 Feb 2024 C complained that the partnership had not provided the correct care and treatment for their ear infection in their right … Upheld
202202721 01 Jan 2024 C, an MSP, complained on behalf of their constituent (B) about the standard of care B’s late spouse (A) received … Not Upheld
202101442 01 Oct 2023 C complained to the practice about the care and treatment provided to their relative (A). A began to experience abdominal … Upheld
View all decisions for this organisation