Failure to follow-up after bladder tumour resection leads to advanced cancer...
Client Background:
Mrs B underwent a bladder tumour resection in 2013. Following the surgery, she required regular cystoscopies and biopsies for surveillance. In October 2016, suspicious findings were noted during a routine cystoscopy, and an outpatient follow-up was scheduled for 3 weeks to discuss the results, with a repeat cystoscopy planned for 6 months.
Due to an outdated paper-based booking system and a lack of coordination between hospital sites, neither appointment was booked, and Mrs B was lost to follow-up.
The Issue:
This failure to follow up resulted in the untimely detection of cancer. Mrs B was not monitored as required, and in 2019, when she returned to her GP with urinary symptoms, it was belatedly noted that she had been lost to follow-up.
Further investigations revealed advanced, inoperable, and incurable bladder cancer.
Tragically, Mrs B died just 5 months after the diagnosis. Had the appointments been scheduled as planned, early detection could have led to more effective treatment options.
Legal Action:
The claim was brought on behalf of Mrs B’s husband and two adult sons. We pursued a clinical negligence claim against the hospital for failing to provide the necessary follow-up care. Expert medical evidence confirmed that early detection would have significantly increased the chances of a positive outcome.
Outcome:
After negotiations, the hospital admitted their failings and agreed to settle the case outside of court. The settlement included compensation for:
- Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Amenity
- Funeral Expenses
- Past Services (caregiving provided to the family)
- Bereavement Award
- Past Travel (costs for attending medical appointments)
- Past Dependency (loss of financial and emotional support)
The family ultimately decided to accept the third settlement offer made by the hospital to bring the matter to a close.
Conclusion:
This case underscores the critical importance of timely follow-up care. The failure to schedule and monitor appointments led to a missed opportunity for early intervention, ultimately causing the cancer to progress to an advanced stage. Mrs B’s tragic death highlights the need for healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the care they are entitled to.