Widow given pay-out due to GP failings

The man, in his 70s, endured several weeks of pain in his leg and did not leave his chair for two weeks, said the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.

Two North Yorkshire GPs visited the man at his home on consecutive days in 2012, but he subsequently died from a blood clot in one of his lungs.

The ombudsman’s investigation found both doctors failed to adequately assess the man, or provide or arrange further investigations and treatment.

GPs at the unnamed practice have been given training in how to manage deep vein thrombosis.

Ombudsman Julie Mellor said: “This is a sad case where a man was left in considerable pain over a long period of time. He was seen by two healthcare professionals - two GPs - who both failed in their duty of care to properly assess him. We have found that the GPs have learned from the complaint and have taken action to ensure it does not happen again.”

The ombudsman found there was a strong probability that even if the failings had not happened, the man would have died.

The doctors have apologised to the man’s widow and paid £2,000 compensation.