Local Hospitals Accused of Cancer Neglect

Concerns have been raised over the increasing number of serious cancer misdiagnosis incidents at local Queens and King George Hospitals in Romford.

Papers published last week by Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) state that over the past few months there has been “an increasing number of serious incidents coming through specifically related to missed or delayed diagnosis for cancer.”

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) responded to the report, saying it has been working closely with key partners to address the highlighted issues; however, the CCG was so concerned with what was revealed during the report that it has since raised the issue with NHS England and NHS Improvement.

The CCG’s report also stated that “there are also concerns that operations are being carried out without a full complement of staff, as staff are leaving the theatre to scrub for emergency operations.” These findings will worry residents of Essex who are no doubt concerned about the competency of their local hospitals.

These days many cancers are treatable; the earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Medical negligence in respect of misdiagnosis can occur in three ways:

• A total misdiagnosis, where the health condition is failed to be diagnosed;
• Incorrect diagnosis, which can lead to the wrong treatments/care/medications being provided, and;
• Delayed diagnosis, where a health condition can be prolonged and can deteriorate until the correct diagnosis is made.

These issues can arise out of a misinterpretation of symptoms or scans/reports/results, or due to a failure to refer or act quickly in referring a patient for further investigations and tests.

Such errors can result in significant and unnecessary pain, suffering and prolonged ill health, the need for more invasive treatment or surgery, reduction in life expectancy and, ultimately, avoidable death.

Pinney Talfourd Solicitors act for many clients who have experienced delayed diagnosis of a variety of cancers including, but not limited to:  Lung cancer, Bowel cancer, Breast cancer, Lymphoma, Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma.

Claims for compensation in respect of misdiagnosis claims can help patients and their families get answers and promote accountability. The compensation from the claim can assist with the costs of suitable care, treatment and support necessary to deal with and combat the illness, where possible, which can be expensive. Loss of earnings due to the impact of the disease and treatment required can also be recovered alongside other out of pocket expenses that have needlessly been incurred to reduce and ease the financial pressure during a period of uncertainty.  

MORE INFORMATION 

If you feel that you, a family member or friend have suffered as a result of a cancer or serious illness misdiagnosis, please contact our Medical Negligence Department – our team of expert solicitors will be able to assist and can offer free initial advice. Call on 01708 229444 or email us using our contact form.This article was written by Kim Huggins, Medical Negligence Solicitors at Pinney Talfourd LLP Solicitors. The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. Specific legal advice should be taken on each individual matter. This article is based on the law as of October 2017.