Medical practice must apologise after woman’s fatal heart attack

A Tayside medical practice has been ordered to apologise to the family of a woman who suffered a fatal heart attack three days after going to see her GP.

The woman, known as Mrs A, complained of episodes of dizziness and elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

Despite ruling the heart attack could not have been predicted, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) said other medical guidelines had not been followed.

During an SPSO investigation, the GP said Mrs A had suffered from a number of health problems.

As well as the apology, the practice which has not been identified must provide evidence the GP has familiarised themselves with the diabetes guidance and carry out a review of the incident.