‘Unreasonable delay’ in spotting cancer in patient who later died

In a report, external, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) also said the practice should apologise for an “unreasonable standard” of assistance given to the patient around end-of-life and palliative care, and for “unreasonable reliance” on telephone consultations.

The watchdog said it did note that the practice had “responded constructively” to the concerns raised in the family’s complaint and its inquiries.

The SPSO said it took independent advice from a GP on the care provided to the patient, who is called “A” in the report.

The watchdog said: “We found that relevant guidance was clear that A had red flag symptoms for pancreatic cancer from their initial presentation.

“From this point until the urgent suspicion of cancer referral, there were missed opportunities to recognise the significance of A’s symptoms and refer them onward for further investigation.”

Pancreatic cancer can be found anywhere in the pancreas, an organ in the top part of the stomach.

The NHS says it can be difficult to treat, external and treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive care.