GPs criticised over patient's death

Two doctors have been criticised following the death of a disabled woman who developed pneumonia.

The 32-year-old, who had serious disabilities including cerebral palsy, died in 2003.

Her father complained to Health and Disability Commissioner Ron Paterson, who released his report yesterday, after removing the parties' names.

He found that the two GPs breached the code of patients' rights.

The woman was taken to a medical centre on January 17, 2003, shivering but with a high temperature. The first GP prescribed an antibiotic for a possible urinary tract infection, and paracetamol.

Four days later, the woman was brought back to the centre and saw a second GP, Dr C.

"Ms A had been ill for six days when Dr C reviewed her. She had finished the course of antibiotics prescribed for her, and had not improved. Dr C did not prescribe any more medication, he failed to examine her properly, failed to recognise the transmitted airway sounds for what they were, and he did not order any investigations to discover why her condition was not improving."

This examination and treatment were inadequate and constituted a breach of the code.

Later that day, the woman's condition worsened and an ambulance took her to hospital. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and a chest infection.

A CT scan and x-ray showed her right lung was permanently destroyed and her lower left lung had collapsed.

She was put on morphine and subsequently died.

Mr Paterson said the first GP breached the code by making mistakes on the drugs prescription (although the patient received the correct doses because others picked up the errors), and poor record-keeping and follow-up.

This doctor has apologised to the woman's family and Mr Paterson recommended that the second GP also do so.

Both doctors have undertaken further training.