A woman from the West Midlands area who was wrongly given the all-clear in cancer tests has won compensation.
The specialist clinical negligence team at Devon law firm Wollens took up her case after a hospital Trust in the West Midlands area failed to diagnose and treat signs of cervical cancer.
Cervical screening results for the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, were reported as normal following two routine three-year cervical screening appointments in 2009 and 2012.
But after her third routine appointment in 2015, the results shockingly showed high-grade cancer.
Because cervical cancer is slow to develop, the Trust investigated the woman’s previous results and it was found that there was a reporting error and her two previous tests should have been reported as abnormal. Sadly, after invasive treatment, she had to undergo a hysterectomy.
Wollens have secured compensation for both the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused as well as funding for the cost of future private treatment that Wollens’ medical expert recommended.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under and every year, approximately 3,000 women are diagnosed. It is extremely important for women to undergo their routine cervical screening to help detect early signs of cervical cancer. If cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, it is usually possible to treat.
The woman said: “The decision to take action was difficult and daunting, but right from my first phone call with Zoe Gask from Wollens I was put at ease and I felt I had someone who understood what had happened. I am now near the end of that journey and I wouldn’t have continued to pursue if it wasn’t for the kindness and understanding I have had throughout.
“I was able to communicate what had happened to me and was given advice and information every step of the way as to what my options were. This advice was always open and honest with no hidden agenda.
“I was well informed throughout the whole process and this occasionally involved me divulging very personal information and again Zoe always acted with professionalism and kindness.
“If I had any questions or concerns during any point in my journey, Zoe and her colleagues at Wollens were always happy to talk through and resolve these at a time convenient to me.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Wollens to anyone across the country (I am not local to their base) as the communication/advice had not been affected by geographical distance. A highly professional organisation that you can trust with the most sensitive cases”.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer, you can contact either Elizabeth Larner or Zoe Gask to discuss your circumstances on 01803 225 194/135, you can email [email protected] or alternatively you can go to www.wollens.co.uk and complete our online enquiry form and one of our team will contact you as soon as possible.
