Mrs A’s complaint centred on whether her gallstone management by the GP Practice had been appropriate, given her blood test results in 2021, 2023 and 2025. Mrs A was admitted to the local hospital with pancreatitis and gallstones via the Emergency Department on 26 January 2025.
The Ombudsman’s investigation found no link between Mrs A’s previous blood test results in 2021 and 2023 and her subsequent gallstones. The Ombudsman found some shortcomings in Mrs A’s clinical management and documentation at a June 2023 GP consultation. However, on balance, it was concluded that even if the GPs had followed the relevant liver function pathway, Mrs A’s gallstones would not have been identified earlier. The GP Practice’s clinical management and care in relation to Mrs A’s 21 January 2025 blood test results was also found to be reasonable and appropriate.
The GP Practice was invited to consider the points of learning in relation to Mrs A’s June 2023 consultation.