Scan Error
Family Claims Doctors Missed Cancer on Scan, Leading to Death of Retired Nurse
Marva Barra, a 65-year-old retired nurse, died in January 2023 after being diagnosed with stage four cancer and a collapsed lung.
Barra had developed a persistent cough in September 2022 and went to North Manchester General Hospital for a scan. Doctors told her she had asthma and sent her home with inhalers.
Barra’s health continued to deteriorate, and she went back to the hospital in November 2022 with suspected pneumonia. A new scan showed that her left lung had collapsed and that she had stage four cancer.
Barra’s daughter, Michelle Grace-Bloomfield, said that her mother’s cancer was likely caught too late because it was missed on the initial scan.
The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, which runs North Manchester General Hospital, has admitted that Barra’s care “did not meet its usual high standards.”
The trust has said that it is “deeply sorry” for Barra’s death and that it has taken steps to improve the way scans are interpreted.
Quote from Michelle Grace-Bloomfield:
“If it was a small tumour or cancerous cells that they missed, I could perhaps understand it, but her lung had collapsed and no one saw it on the scan – it seems a bit much really.
“It was so traumatic in a way I can’t explain. [The cancer and collapsed lung] was already there on the scan from September.”
Quote from Dr. Rafik Bedair:
“We would like to express our sympathies to Marva’s family for their loss. We have investigated the care provided to Marva and unfortunately this did not meet the usual high standards we pride ourselves on delivering.
“An action plan has been developed to address the issues identified and to prevent them from happening again, and this has been shared with our staff and with Marva’s family.”
Comment
Marva Barra’s death is a tragedy. It is important to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care, and that includes ensuring that scans are interpreted correctly. The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust has taken steps to improve the way scans are interpreted, but it is important to continue to monitor the situation to ensure that these improvements are effective.
Conclusion
Medical errors can have a devastating impact on patients and their families. If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence, it is important to contact a medical negligence specialist solicitor as soon as possible.
A medical negligence solicitor will be able to assess your case and advise you on your legal options. They will also be able to help you to get the compensation that you deserve.
The time limit for claiming compensation for medical negligence is usually three years from the date of the error. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you were a child when you were injured, the time limit may start from the date you turned 18.
If you miss the time limit for claiming compensation, you may still be able to claim if you can show that there were exceptional circumstances that prevented you from claiming sooner.
It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who have been the victims of medical negligence. With the help of a medical negligence specialist solicitor, you can get the compensation that you deserve and start to rebuild your life.
Claim time is limited, so don’t delay.
If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence, contact Claim Today for a free consultation. Our team of experienced solicitors will assess your case and advise you on your legal options. We will also help you to get the compensation that you deserve.
Claim Today
0800 29 800 29
Claim time is limited, so don’t delay.
