Liability of former GP - Legal Aid Office

Questioner

Can I hold my previous GP liable for no or an incorrect diagnosis?

Lawyer

Could you be a bit more specific about what you mean? Old in the sense of age or do you mean former family doctor? What is the story about the problem? Holding someone liable is possible, but only makes sense if there is demonstrable negligence or culpable error.

Questioner

It's my former GP. I was diagnosed with soft tissue rheumatism when I was 22. I've learned to live with it. The last few years and certainly the last six months I've had a lot of pain in my back. I only got painkillers, no blood tests or smears or a referral to a rheumatologist. It was all in my head. After my boyfriend went with him the last time, we got a referral letter with great difficulty. Finally, the rheumatologist did get a blood test. I got a phone call that afternoon. I had to go to the hospital urgently, acute renal failure and after examination cervical cancer with metastasis to the abdomen and back. I've now finished my treatment. I'm very angry. Is there anything I can do. I don't want others to suffer too

Lawyer

The question I cannot answer is whether there is a professional error by the GP in this case. You simply have to answer the question whether a reasonable GP would have referred earlier. But assuming that a professional error has been made, you have several options. - There is often a complaints officer appointed at the GP's GP practice and you can submit your complaint there. What is more formal is filing a complaint with the regional disciplinary boards - You can also send your story to the regional inspection. However, the inspection will decide for itself whether they see reason for further investigation. - You can also ask the complaints department of Zorgbelang to support you in handling a complaint. Zorgbelang is divided regionally. - And of course you can always go to court to sue the GP. - File a complaint with the medical disciplinary board. Because the details are very important in the settlement of this matter, it is advisable to engage an expert to assist you. This can be done, for example, via the legal desk or via free advice that a large number of lawyers provide or you may have legal expenses insurance where you can report this.