Support for family following the tragic loss of a loved one due to alleged missed opportunities to diagnose cancer

We are all aware the NHS has been experiencing long waiting times for treatment, especially for non-urgent procedures, and the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact. Waiting times consistently rank as one of the public’s main concerns with the NHS.

At Aston Knight Solicitors we are regularly contacted by clients who have experienced the effects of these delays and sadly in some cases the devastating and tragic consequences.

Solicitor, Andrew Thompson has recently been instructed to represent (at the inquest) the loved ones of Mr C who tragically died following alleged multiple missed opportunities to take steps to diagnose and treat Mr C’s cancer.

This case whilst extremely tragic, highlights the current state of the NHS and how serious consequences can result from failures at both primary care level and specialist level:

1. Primary care – once upon a time when we attended our GP we were seen by a GP. Nowadays we may be seen by less qualified nurse practitioners and pharmacists who then have to rely on seeking a second opinion from an already stretched/busy GP who, having not been there for the whole appointment, can be expected to provide a quick second opinion.

In this case, Mr C was seen by a pharmacist who did not suspect cancer and who sought the second opinion from a GP who also did not suspect cancer. This led to a negligent failure to place Mr C on a two-week cancer referral pathway.

2. Hospital care – it took six months for the hospital to contact Mr C and, even then, it was with the tone “do you still need an appointment”. Mr C said he does still need an appointment and reiterated that he suspects cancer. The hospital did not arrange an appointment until a PALS complaint was made and even then the appointment was arranged in two months’ time (not two weeks as it should have been).

The consequence was undiagnosed cancer and an 11-month delay in being seen by an oral surgeon. By the time Mr C was seen there was nothing they could do for him, and he passed away one month later.

Solicitor, Andrew Thompson commented:

“Although our investigations into this case are in the early stages, it appears we are dealing with a catalogue of errors at both primary and secondary care level. Following obtaining the opinion of an independent senior Oral Surgeon, we allege that there were missed opportunities to take steps which may ultimately have avoided the tragic outcome. Knowing their loved one could have survived the cancer diagnosis only compounds the upset and anguish felt by the family.

Although we cannot change the outcome, we were keen to provide representation for the family at the inquest hearing, to help the family find the answers they are seeking and to ensure lessons are learned so the same tragic circumstances are not experienced by anyone else”

If you suspect you have received substandard medical treatment and you would like a free consultation to discuss your options, please call Aston Knight Solicitors today on 0161 399 1231 or click the ‘Contact’ button above to submit an online enquiry and one of our dedicated Solicitors will contact you to discuss your claim further.