GP failed to properly assess patient who died soon afterwards

What happened

The GP visited Mr C because he was suffering pain in his side and was feeling sick. The GP thought that Mr C had a urinary tract infection or a musculoskeletal problem. He didn't refer him to hospital. However, about 12 hours later, Mr C died from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (a widening of the main vessel in the abdomen, which risks leaking blood and/or rupturing).

What we found

We partly upheld Mr C's wife's complaint. The GP did not take Mr C's blood pressure and pulse, or consider the possibility that he was suffering from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Although Mr C had symptoms relating to his condition, there was insufficient evidence to indicate that the GP should have referred him to hospital urgently.

The failings in the GPs assessment, therefore, did not contribute to Mr C's death.

Putting it right

The GP agreed to discuss our report with the partners at his practice and to put in place an action plan to make sure these mistakes are not repeated.