Solicitor, Medical Negligence
Our client who was a gentleman in his 70s, visited his GP complaining of a number of symptoms, after which he was referred to the hospital. He lived a healthy and active lifestyle, which included playing sport competitively. His referral was urgent, under the 2-week wait rule. The two-week wait rule was introduced so that anyone with symptoms indicative of possible cancer, should be seen by a specialist for further investigation within 2 weeks of the date of referral.
Our client underwent an ultrasound scan, which identified possibility of the presence of a bladder tumour. But unfortunately, there was no further action taken following the scan. We call this a ‘missed opportunity’ for making a diagnosis.
There were further missed opportunities to review and/or act on the ultrasound results in the following months when our client was admitted to hospital for related health issues. Our client even underwent an operation (for which he had a pre-operative assessment, determining he was suitable for the operation) with no mention of any abnormalities.
Our client was subsequently diagnosed with bladder cancer and received treatment, but as a result of the delay he was left with permanent life-changing injuries. He had to employ a carer to look after his wife who continues to suffer symptoms following a stroke, and a cleaner to carry out day-to-day cleaning activities in their home.
If the ultrasound scan had been correctly interpreted and/or a repeat scan been ordered and/or referral for further consideration been made which would have resulted in an earlier diagnosis of the tumour and bladder cancer, our client would have been listed for urgent treatment by the end of the following month at the very latest. Sadly due to the delay, his cancer was not diagnosed for 17 months.
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Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). Cancer Waiting Times. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/worried-about-cancer/cancer-waiting-times
NHS. (n.d.). Ultrasound Scan. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ultrasound-scan/
NHS. (n.d.). Bladder Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/
Simpson Millar. (n.d.). Late Cancer Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.simpsonmillar.co.uk/medical-negligence-solicitors/late-cancer-diagnosis/
NHS Resolution. (n.d.). Claims Management. Retrieved from https://resolution.nhs.uk/services/claims-management/
Macmillan Cancer Support. (n.d.). Cancer Statistics Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/research/cancer-statistics-fact-sheet
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