Mr K went to a GP appointment with his brother, Mr L. Mr K said the GP would have missed important information had he not been there, because he did not allow for Mr L's learning disability.
What happened
Mr K's brother, Mr L, had long–standing gastrointestinal symptoms that had been investigated, but no cause could be found. Mr K took Mr L to the Practice when his symptoms got worse, and saw a GP. This was the first and only time that this GP saw Mr L. The GP said recent tests had shown nothing sinister and focused instead on whether Mr L was eating enough. A week later, a GP who had seen Mr L frequently referred him urgently to hospital. He died of cancer three months later.
What we found
With a different approach, the GP who saw Mr L once could have found out more about his symptoms and considered them more seriously. This GP did not change his consulting style to allow for Mr L's learning disability and did not follow NICE guidance about referring patients for suspected cancer.
Putting it right
The Practice apologised to Mr K and the GP had more training to improve how he interacts with patients with learning disabilities.
A GP practice
Greater Manchester
Not applicable
Apology
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan