Mrs G complained about her treatment for ovarian cancer between February and October 2020, specifically:
• delay in discussing her prognosis with her and thereafter failure to fully discuss treatment options
• incorrect information given to her regarding the suitability of different drugs
• the completion and submission of an Independent Patient Funding Request form (“IPFR”).
The Ombudsman found that the pre-chemotherapy appointment and completion of the consent form was a missed opportunity to explore Mrs G’s understanding of her condition and prognosis. He found that there had been some miscommunication or confusion over the suitability of different drugs for Mrs G and that she had been given unrealistic expectations of the treatment she might receive. The Ombudsman concluded that not enough thought had gone into the submission of the IPFR with the Consultant merely “copying and pasting” information Mrs G had provided, resulting in an application which was confused and not for the most appropriate medication. He upheld the complaint.
The Ombudsman recommended that the Trust apologise to Mrs G and consider reviewing its chemotherapy consent forms; he also invited the Consultant to reflect on their communication with patients regarding their prognosis.
