Cancer missed at the Vic

jaysay · 17-09-2009, 08:58

Cancer missed in 14 women at East Lancs Hospitals Trust (From Lancashire Telegraph)
14 women have been found to have cancer after a cock up at Accrington Victoria X Ray department, and others have been found with cancer cells after a radiographer failed to diagnose the symptoms in hundreds of
x-rays. I feel very sorry for anybody who has been affected by this, it must be devastating to be given the all clear then they get a phone call telling them there's been a mistake

Pamperqueen · 17-09-2009, 10:14

I was disgusted when I heard about this as members of my family have had to battle breast cancer and its hard enough when everything runs smoothly.
There are also a lot of unanswered questions - the hospital is being less than forthright about when, why and how this happened. I wonder how long it took them to tell these patients they'd stuffed up - or that there were so many others? If they don't tell all soon I bet the women themselves, will. I would be furious.

BERNADETTE · 17-09-2009, 10:34

This is terrible we always assume that because screening is in place the chances of getting cancer is reduced. For an expert to miss the signs is unforgivable and it does make you question the viability of screening. We just have to hope the delay in giving the correct diagnosis does not make it to late for any treatment the poor ladies to get to be successful.

jaysay · 17-09-2009, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pamperqueen

I was disgusted when I heard about this as members of my family have had to battle breast cancer and its hard enough when everything runs smoothly.
There are also a lot of unanswered questions - the hospital is being less than forthright about when, why and how this happened. I wonder how long it took them to tell these patients they'd stuffed up - or that there were so many others? If they don't tell all soon I bet the women themselves, will. I would be furious.

Well according to news reports this morning the Health Authority have said the the Radiographer who was at fault has not worked at the Vic since April, that's nearly six months ago, six months is a long time if you have cancer and don't know about it and think your fine

Nickelson · 17-09-2009, 11:05

Yeah they failed to spot my broken arm last year !

Feel sorry for the people affected by this however.

Eric · 17-09-2009, 18:33

This whole deal is unfortunate ... but it happens. No system is perfect. We had the same thing over here, in Newfoundland ... major scandal, major lawsuits ... but the problem is fixed. I know that it is terrible for those involved directly; and it shouldn't happen. But, happen it does. We also had a Provincial pathologist in Ontario who decided to fudge the evidence in cases where he thought the accused was guilty!!!!!!!!! Several people were incarcerated for murdering their children. Problem is: they were innocent. I think that one has to accept fallibility, even in the health care system. I think it is wrong to question the system, when the fault lies with individuals. Mis-diagnoses and medical screw ups in general are going to happen. Look at the price of malpractice insurance in the US! But, they are a lot like airplane crashes ... their dramatic nature obscures the fact that they are realtively rare.

steeljack · 17-09-2009, 18:41

Rupert Murdoch's Fox News (Sky news in the US) is blasting this all over today as propaganda against Obama's plan for universal care in the US , not surprised its just typical of rightwing slimeballs.

Sorry for thread wander

Eric · 17-09-2009, 18:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by steeljack

Rupert Murdoch's Fox News (Sky news in the US) is blasting this all over today as propaganda against Obama's plan for universal care in the US , not surprised its just typical of rightwing slimeballs.

Sorry for thread wander

I should check that out ... don't usually watch Fox News; I find the National Enquirer a more reliable source.

Eric · 17-09-2009, 21:38

Here's one from the colonies: it's a slight wander, but related. The Federal Govt. sent swine flu kits to remote northern First Nations communities .... and included in the kits were ..... wait for it .... body bags!!!!!!!!!!!! In a nice irony, the current Minister of Health is Leona Aglukkaq, MP for Nunavut.

cherokee · 17-09-2009, 22:56

Well this is just terrible.
I know systems fail but c,mon this should have been picked up before now.
My prayers are with the effected women and hope they can overcome this terrible error

cashman · 17-09-2009, 23:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by cherokee

Well this is just terrible.
I know systems fail but c,mon this should have been picked up before now.
My prayers are with the effected women and hope they can overcome this terrible error

agree whats bothering me though is far as i'm aware they have NOT said if this guy is working anywhere else, only that he aint worked Accy since april.

should be suspended following investigation IMHO. but is he?

Eric · 17-09-2009, 23:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

agree whats bothering me though is far as i'm aware they have NOT said if this guy is working anywhere else, only that he aint worked Accy since april.

should be suspended following investigation IMHO. but is he?

Probably promoted .... what pees me off about things like this is that the information is often delayed from getting out to the public while those responsible are looking for ways to cover their asses ....