Fife woman ‘fobbed off’ by doctors

A Fife woman has lodged a complaint with health bosses claiming she will never be a mum after they failed to diagnose early menopause – for four years.

Laura Close has launched a formal complaint against NHS Fife, claiming doctors said she was “too young” for menopause and “fobbed” her off with anti-depressants.

The 37-year-old claims she was forced to diagnose herself last year after hot sweats, insomnia and severe mood swings – all symptoms of menopause. It resulted in the customer service adviser having a breakdown. She was admitted to a psychiatric unit for nine days.

Ms Close, from Dunfermline, was finally diagnosed in March after her father paid out more than £2,000 for private healthcare.

She said the health board’s failures have “completely ruined” her life. She said: “This has been a nightmare from start to finish. It’s like my GP surgery didn’t have the experience on how to deal with this when I had been complaining about it for so long.”

She has enlisted the support of MSP Annabelle Ewing, who has written to NHS Fife.

NHS Fife chief executive Paul Hawkins confirmed it had received a complaint from Ms Close, which it was investigating.

Mr Hawkins added: “NHS Fife is committed to providing the highest standards of care and we take all instances where this may have fallen short very seriously.”

Laura Close has launched a formal complaint against NHS Fife.