GP Negligence
While GPs normally carry out their professional duty with expert skill and attention, sadly there are times in which the quality of care falls to an unacceptable standard. Such negligence can have devastating consequences, as someone who is suffering from ill health is often reliant upon a GP to make the correct decisions.
What Is GP Negligence?
GP negligence is when the care provided by a GP falls below the standard of a responsible body of medical practice, which in turn causes a patient to suffer physical and/or psychological injury.
Due to the varied nature of a GPs role, there is an array of situations in which their actions (or inaction) can be deemed as negligent. Some of the most common include:-
- Prescribing errors;
- Failure to diagnose;
- Failure to refer to a specialist;
- Failure to act on test results.
Making A Complaint Against A GP
If you feel the treatment you have received from a GP fell below an acceptable standard, you may want to make an official complaint. This should be done within six months of the event, or within six months of you being aware there is something to complain about.
The NHS Complaints Procedure encourages patients to resolve their grievance at a local level. This would, therefore, involve speaking or writing to the GP practice in question. However, if this does not provide a satisfactory result, or if you prefer not to deal with your GP directly, it may be more appropriate to contact the relevant Primary Care Trust (PCT). Again, this can be done orally or in writing.
You should then be kept informed of how your complaint is being addressed. Normally, a letter of response will be sent within 10 working days or within 20 working days from the Chief Executive of the organisation in question.
What Other Action Can You Take?
Even if you have made a complaint against a GP but you still feel unhappy about the treatment you received, then what other action can you take?
While it is not possible in every circumstance, you may want to consider making a medical negligence claim. A solicitor specialising in this area of law will be able to discuss the nature of your case with you before advising you on the best course of action. Ordinarily, however, if it can be proven you were the victim of a substandard level of care and you suffered as a result, you will be able to make a claim.
Should your claim be successful, you will be given a sum of compensation. This is intended to both recover your losses (such as a loss of earnings) but also provide some form of recompense for the additional pain and suffering you have endured as a result of your GPs negligence.
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