Rohini Priyanka SAMARATUNGA

On 8 March 2023, Dr Rohini Priyanka Samaratunga had a telephone consultation with Patient A’s mother, and: failed to take an adequate history; failed to recognise the seriousness of Patient A’s symptoms; failed to arrange an urgent face-to-face assessment or examination; misdiagnosed Patient A’s condition; failed to diagnose Patient A with significant dehydration; and failed to immediately refer Patient A to the accident and emergency department. This conduct does not meet with the standards required of a doctor. It risks undermining public protection, specifically patient safety, public confidence in the profession, and professional standards and conduct, and it must not be repeated. The required standards are set out in Good medical practice and associated guidance. In this case, paragraphs 6, 7 and 9 of Good medical practice are particularly relevant: 6. Dr Rohini Priyanka Samaratunga must provide a good standard of practice and care. If she assesses, diagnoses, or treats patients, she must work in partnership with them to assess their needs and priorities. The investigation or treatment she proposes, provides or arranges must be based on this assessment, and on her clinical judgement about the likely effectiveness of the treatment options. 7. In providing clinical care she must: a. adequately assess a patient’s condition(s), taking account of their history, including i. symptoms … b. carry out a physical examination where necessary c. promptly provide (or arrange) suitable advice, investigation or treatment where necessary … f. refer a patient to another suitably qualified practitioner when this serves their needs. 9. Dr Rohini Priyanka Samaratunga must provide safe and effective clinical care whether face to face, or through remote consultations via telephone, video link, or other online services. If she can’t provide safe care through the mode of consultation she is using, she should offer an alternative if available, or signpost to other services.

Whilst these failings are not so serious as to require any restriction on your registration, it is necessary in response to issue this formal warning. This warning will be published on the medical register in line with our publication and disclosure policy, which can be found at www.gmc-uk.org/disclosurepolicy.