On 22 January 2006 C then aged 53 attended the emergency complaining of central chest pain radiating to both arms for 4 days, worse on moving relieved on passing wind. Pulse 83, blood pressure 193/102. The ECG was essentially normal. He was referred to the same day treatment centre where a diagnosis of gastritis was made. He attended doctors from time to time (including admission) and in 2010 was diagnosed with heart failure.
“On behalf of the Claimant it is submitted that the Claimant should not have been streamed to the SDTC without a history being obtained and relevant risk factors identified. The course taken did not accord with acceptable Accident and Emergency practice. If such an examination had been carried out the Claimant would have been admitted into hospital where relevant tests would have been undertaken and the existing coronary disease identified.” (paragraph 11)
The court found that C had symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome.
“I find that the Accident and Emergency doctor would then have arranged for immediate tests to be carried out which would have identified the existing cardiac condition. The Accident and Emergency doctor would have come to a different conclusion to the GP who saw the Claimant at the SDTC. The Cardiologists agree that intervention would have avoided the severe heart difficulties in 2010.” (paragraph 43)
judgment for the claimant
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