Compensation for Patient Fatality After Colonoscopy Follow Up Failings
With a failing appetite and weight loss, David became concerned about his health and decided that he should consult his GP. Following both a telephone consultation and a face-to-face assessment, the GP decided to refer him for further investigation on the 2-week cancer pathway.
A week later, a telephone consultation with the Vague Symptoms Clinic led to a CT scan and the arrangement of a colonoscopy.
The colonoscopy took place at hospital a couple of weeks later. A diagnosis of diverticulosis was made and a 'benign' polyp was identified. It was decided that the polyp should be removed by the process of an Endomucosal Resection (EMR). Unfortunately, no arrangements were made for this to be carried out and David was discharged.
When Glynns investigated the quality of David's medical care at this point, it was agreed by our medical experts that the EMR should have gone ahead and the polyp removed. It was felt that, had this happened, the sad events which unfolded over the following three years would have been avoided.
Over the coming months, David continued to lose weight until eventually his concerns prompted him to return to his GP for advice. Following further tests, the GP made a further 2 week cancer referral and the following month David underwent a repeat colonoscopy.
Unfortunately, this time, the colonoscopy identified a malignant tumour. Concerns were raised as to why the polyp had not been removed the previous year.
A few weeks later, following discussions with David as to the risks of the surgery, part of his colon was removed and a stoma fitted which David would have to use for the rest of his life. It was difficult to adjust to his new circumstances and David felt that his quality of life had declined as he was unable to engage with some of the activities and tasks which he had previously enjoyed.
Distressed by the realisation that this situation would have been avoidable had he received the correct treatment at the time of his earlier colonoscopy, David approached Glynns to investigate his care.
Sadly, shortly afterwards, problems with the functioning of the stoma led to an emergency referral to hospital where David was diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction. Despite attempts to resolve this problem over the next few weeks, David's condition worsened and he died the following month.
His partner asked Glynns to continue with his claim. The hospital admitted that the polyp seen in the first colonoscopy should have been removed and compensation was awarded to David's partner in recognition of the negligence and her loss.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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