Ms L complained that the GP practice failed to investigate her father, Mr M's, symptoms adequately, especially his breathlessness. Instead, GPs treated Mr M for anxiety, so his underlying heart condition, which contributed to his death in spring 2012, was not treated. Ms L believed that Mr M died prematurely, and this caused the family distress.
What happened
In summer 2011, Mr M told a GP at the practice that he became breathless when he walked uphill. The GP did not investigate this further or advise him to return if the breathlessness continued.
In early 2012, Mr M told the GP that he was irritable, had disturbed sleep and was unable to cope with going out. He was treated for anxiety and depression.
Ms L recalls that Mr M also told the GP that he was breathless and that by now his breathlessness was evident. The GP records do not note breathlessness. The next month, Mr M saw a second GP and told him he was worried about his lung capacity. The GP asked him to return in two to four weeks. Mr M died later that month of acute heart failure.
What we found
The practice should have investigated Mr M's breathlessness on exercising in summer 2011. If the practice had done this, and if staff had advised Mr M to come back if his breathlessness continued, his heart condition might have been identified and treated.
We partly upheld the complaint because although we could not say that Mr M's death was preventable, he was not given the best chance of survival.
Putting it right
The practice acknowledged and apologised for the shortcomings we found. It drew up an action plan to address these.
A GP practice
Essex
Not applicable
Apology
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan