'Unreasonable delay' in spotting cancer in patient who later died

A patient's concerns that they had cancer were not followed up immediately by their doctor, a health watchdog has said.

The patient was diagnosed with diabetes after experiencing unexplained weight loss, but after their symptoms continued over the following months they asked the GP if it might be pancreatic cancer.

The patient was referred to specialists in stomach disorders before blood tests led to pancreatic cancer being diagnosed. The patient died about six weeks later.

The unnamed Highland medical practice has been told to apologise to the patient's family for an "unreasonable delay in recognising specific symptoms" indicating their loved one may have cancer.

In a report, 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 and treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive care.