In 2009, Mr G underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumour that had been identified on his pancreas. Following the procedure, he was required to attend hospital on a regular basis for screening to ensure that the cancer had not returned.
In around February 2013, Mr G started to suffer from loose stools. He advised his treating doctor of this at numerous medical appointments (February 2013, August 2013 and February 2014) but no further investigations were carried out.
In April 2014, Mr G started to pass blood and was still suffering with loose stools. He therefore visited his GP practice. The GP referred Mr G to another hospital where he was advised that his cancer had returned and spread to his liver, spleen and anus.
Mr G underwent chemotherapy, however, the treatment was too much for Mr G and he was unable to complete the course. Mr G sadly passed away in August 2014.
Negligence Claim
Mr G’s family were concerned with the treatment provided by the Hospital, and instructed Nelsons to pursue a medical negligence claim against the Hospital NHS Trust.
Independent expert evidence confirmed that there were a number of earlier opportunities during the consultations in February 2013, August 2013 and February 2014, when further investigations could have been carried out, which would have resulted in a much earlier diagnosis.
The identified failures on the part of the Hospital resulted in a 14 month delay in diagnosing anal carcinoma.
The Hospital Trust accepted that further investigations should have been carried out sooner, but denied that Mr G would have lived longer if earlier diagnosis had taken place.
The case settled for a five figure sum.
The family were represented by Danielle Young, Associate in our Medical Negligence team.
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