– Woman’s cancer diagnosis delayed after Waikato Hospital failed to follow up on x-ray symptoms
– Woman’s cancer diagnosis delayed after Waikato Hospital failed to follow up on x-ray results.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : A tragic incident occurred at a Waikato hospital, where a woman in her 60s lost her battle with cancer due to a failure in communication between doctors. The patient, referred to as Ms A, visited her medical centre in February 2020 with concerns about a lump on her neck and a persistent cough. Despite initial suspicions of breast cancer, a chest X-ray revealed nodules on both lungs, indicating a more serious condition.
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell investigated the case and found that Te Whatu Ora Waikato failed to inform Ms A about the concerning chest X-ray results promptly. This delay in communication led to a delayed diagnosis of metastasised lung cancer, ultimately impacting the patient’s ability to manage her condition effectively.
Although Caldwell acknowledged that an earlier diagnosis might not have altered the disease’s course, she emphasised the importance of providing patients with accurate and timely information about their health. In Ms A’s case, the lack of follow-up after the initial chest X-ray and the failure to communicate the radiologist’s recommendation for further imaging were deemed serious departures from the standard of care.
The investigation revealed that the medical centre repeatedly diagnosed Ms A with bronchitis, prescribing antibiotics that had little effect on her symptoms. Despite complaints of back pain and further tests being ordered, the true extent of her condition was not fully recognised until a later hospital admission. By then, the cancer had spread to her lungs, lymph nodes, liver, and bones, leading to a devastating outcome.
Caldwell highlighted the importance of proper communication between healthcare providers and patients, as well as the need for thorough follow-up and review processes. She recommended that both Dr C and Te Whatu Ora Waikato issue written apologies to Ms A’s friend, Ms B, and undergo training to improve their electronic results policy and procedures.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role communication plays in healthcare and the impact it can have on patient outcomes. It underscores the importance of diligence, thoroughness, and transparency in medical practice to ensure the best possible care for patients..
– woman’s cancer diagnosis delayed
– Waikato Hospital failed to follow up on x-ray.
