Gareth attended his GP’s surgery because he had been
experiencing pain around the jaw and temple with flashing lights
and intermittent blindness for a period of at least two weeks in
January 2000.
In addition Gareth had lost a significant amount of weight. His
GP said he could not find any abnormality. He was prescribed
painkillers and advised to tie a scarf tightly around his face
whilst eating.
On 26 January 2000, Gareth telephoned NHS Direct
complaining of “trouble in his temple”. He was advised to return to
his GP. On 28 January, Gareth visited his GP and explained
that his symptoms had worsened. He was unable to eat and was now
experiencing deafness. He was prescribed eardrops.
On 9 February Gareth was still unwell and his GP visited him at
home. Gareth requested a letter of referral to a specialist
and after much discussion the GP asked him to visit the surgery the
following day to collect a referral letter, even though Gareth
said that he was not well enough to attend the GP surgery. On 17
February Gareth managed to visit his GP’s surgery.
However, the letter of referral had not been written. On 18
February Gareth visited his GP and demanded the letter of
referral and an urgent referral was made to the eye department at
St Thomas’ Hospital.
Gareth was hospitalised immediately and remained an in-patient
for six days. A diagnosis of temporal arteritis was made. He
underwent a temporal artery biopsy under local anaesthetic on 20
February.
Even with the introduction of steroids Gareth has not
regained his vision in his left eye but his other symptoms have
resolved. He was discharged home from St Thomas’ Hospital on 23
February and attended outpatients’ appointments
thereafter. Gareth instructed us in November 2000.
The case was conducted under a no win, no
fee basis. Proceedings were issued on 12 June 2002. Following
negotiation, the claim settled in the sum of £25,000.
For further information or if you have a GP negligence claim call Paul McNeil on 020 7861
4019
or email paul.mcneil@ffw.com
You can discuss your GP negligence
claim with any member of our medical
negligence team on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email personalinjury@ffw.com or
complete our short enquiry form.