To complain to GP surgery?

[Bundlebuns]

On 4th April, DS5 developed a sudden and significant swelling in his scrotum. I spoke to the surgery who advised me to take him in the same day to see the GP. I did this and the GP examined him and said he believed it to be a hydrocele, although he couldn't be certain and was putting in an urgent referral to paediatric urology.
A few weeks went by and I'd heard nothing from the hospital and started to chase. In the meantime the swelling has gotten slightly bigger and more uncomfortable for DS.
After many calls chasing the hospital and GP surgery, I've received a text message at 6pm today from the GP receptionist saying that the referral was missed and the doctor will do it now.
I'm not sure whether IABU to put in a complaint tomorrow about the GP. I'm really unhappy that an urgent referral for a 5 year old with a sudden swelling has been missed. Though complaining isn't going to change anything now is it? All the GP can do is make the referral now. I'm so upset that this has happened, and obviously worried about what is going on medically with my son. I'd appreciate advice, especially from those who work in GP practices

I work in one, as a clinician, although I’m not a GP.

I would encourage you to complain, as incidents like this should not happen and can be learned from.

Best wishes for your son.

I would complain. I know someone who was misdiagnosed by a GP with a swelling there and it turned out to be serious. I tell everybody now to push and don't let up.

I would complain yes.

I have recently left the NHS after 13 years working in a GP surgery (admin/reception role).

Unfortunately errors do occur. GP/clinician not doing referral, secretary sending referral to wrong area (especially with paediatrics as their protocols change all the time). Unfortunately hospitals do not just forward the referral to the correct place but send it back to be re-referred.

However, this should not happen so I think an email to the practice manager is in order. A month had passed for your son now and no further forward which isn't acceptable at any age but especially a child.

I hope your little boy is okay.

Yes I would complain but also by now I would have also taken my son to a & e.

Gosh I think I would have taken mine straight to a&e. To be fair to the GP you waited a few weeks before even chasing the referral - don't do that next time - a swelling can be really serious in that area. But yes I'd definitely complain and perhaps see if they can bump you up the queue somehow.

Thanks all, I appreciate your opinions. I do wish I had chased this earlier. I thought it was taking longer due to Covid increasing waits for referrals.
At the GP appointment, the doctor told me to take DS to A&E if he developed any signs of infection in the area or if he experienced a significant increase in pain. Neither of these have occurred. You may be right though that I should have taken him to A&E in the first place 😢