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Partner of deceased patient dismayed over contract win

by
31 March 2010

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The decision to renew the contract of a private company which runs health services has been criticised by the partner of a woman who died despite repeated calls to an out-of-hours GP.

Camidoc staff presided over “gross failures” and had “basically got off scot free”, according to Angus MacKinnon.

During Easter in 2005, Penny Campbell died after septicaemia caused multiple organ failure.

In the four days before her death, journalist Ms Campbell had six telephone consultations and two face-to-face appointments with doctors working for Camidoc.

During that time the 41-year-old, from Islington in north London, was diagnosed with various conditions by the GPs, including colic, flu and viral infections.

An inquest in 2006 ruled that eight Camidoc doctors contributed to the mother’s death by failing to recognise the seriousness of her illness.

Now it has emerged that Camidoc has been awarded the contract to supply London services for NHS Camden, NHS Haringey, NHS Islington and NHS City and Hackney.

Mr MacKinnon, 43, said: “It is incomprehensible to me that Camidoc should be allowed to carry on as if nothing had happened.”

NHS Islington acting chief executive, Helen Pettersen said: “We have a duty in all decision processes, to commission and provide the very best healthcare services to residents.”

Camidoc