Mr F saw his GP several times with symptoms including passing stones in his urine. His GP did not refer him to a specialist until two years after his first visit. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer and later died.
What happened
Mr F went to his GP complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms that had been going on for a year. His GP carried out tests but did not refer Mr F to a urology specialist. Mr F saw his GP three more times before the GP made a referral.
A urology team later diagnosed Mr F with cancer and he sadly passed away.
What we found
Although Mr F's symptoms did not suggest that he had cancer, they warranted a referral to a specialist for investigation. Had this referral been made promptly, there is a chance that Mr F's cancer would have been diagnosed sooner and his prognosis would have been better.
Putting it right
Following our investigation, the practice apologised to Mr F's wife and acknowledged the fault we found. It paid Mrs F £250 compensation and shared learning from the complaint with its doctors.
A GP practice
Herefordshire
Did not apologise properly or do enough to put things right
Did not take sufficient steps to improve service
Apology
Compensation for non-financial loss