GP In Denial

So we finally got a response from our (ex) GP to my letter voicing concerns at Tara's misdiagnosis.

As one would expect, they are very much in denial regarding misdiagnosing Tara. And much like the Optometrist (who diagnosed Tara as long-sighted), they are suggesting that her present good health is due to them! This is because the diagnosis that saved her life, at the Sussex Eye Hospital, was via an appoinment that they arranged. But of course they, or the Optometrist, deserve no credit for that, since neither suspected a brain tumour. And that's the point - Tara's symptoms were so obvious their alarm bells should have been ringing very loudly - the fact that she is alive today is certainly not due to their diligence.

Neither does their letter address our concerns at the dismissal of mum's intuition.

However, in general I am pleased with the response, since it ends by stating that the practice has conducted 'a significant events analysis' with  the following conclusions:

1. To reflect on the indicators and diagnosis of a brain tumor in children with all the GP's who saw Tara.
2. To review causes and symptoms of squint/6th Cranial Nerve Palsy in children.
3. To remind all clinicians of the referral pathways, particularly for urgent referrals.

In other words, the practice is looking to improve its services, and that's the best outcome I could hope for.