GP Complaint - Advice?

Raspberry_Queen

You ought to complain to the General Medical Council. They deal with serious complaints such as yours:

http://www.gmc-uk.org/concerns/making_a_complaint/faqs.asp?WT.ac=MCLC140122

(I hope this link works).

Also, have you asked for all your relative's medical records, from the relevant date? It's called a Subject Access Request. This will give you proof of what they have done wrong.

The_Fiddle_Man

:beer:

Raspberry_Queen wrote: »

You ought to complain to the General Medical Council.

Also, have you asked for all your relative's medical records, from the relevant date? It's called a Subject Access Request. This will give you proof of what they have done wrong.

I didn't think of the SAR request, good idea! I had thought of the GMC, depending on what the practice say, that could be the next step.

Raspberry_Queen

Yes, definitely get the records, it's always best to have those before you make a complaint!

Best of luck

FBaby

but the GP in question made a mistake and even breeched NICE Guidelines

Just a point specifically to this. GPs (or any healthcare providers) are not legally duty bound to follow NICE guidelines, only Technical Appraisal Guidance.

Of course, it comes down to what the actual breach was, but most people make the wrong assumption that NICE guidelines are gospel, they are not. It is what it's called, guidelines, to be used or not depending in financial priorities.

fred246

NICE guidelines are very interesting and it is essential that they are often ignored in the interests of patients safety. Nothing to do with finance. They are often bizarre because they put EVIDENCE in front of COMMON SENSE. People often quote the parachute example. NICE guidelines would state "There is no evidence that wearing a parachute when jumping out of an aeroplane is beneficial". If you were a skydiver would you follow NICE GUIDELINES or COMMON SENSE? It's the same for health professionals. Following NICE guidelines is often completely stupid and dangerous.

Floss

The_Fiddle_Man wrote: »

Already been in touch with the CCG today and they have kindly provided me with a copy of the complaints procedure, it was not visibly available on the website but I do have a copy now. I will of course wait for the practice to review the complaint and reply. Wondering how long I should give them in terms of a timescale.

The practise should have a copy of their complaint procedure available to you, and should also give you an idea of timescales when they send acknowledgement of the complaint.