Fatal Cervical Cancer Claim - 12 Month Delay

CERVICAL CANCER; DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS; DEATH

S V GATESHEAD HEALTH AUTHORITY (2002)

£332,861 FOLLOWING DEATH DUE TO DELAY IN DIAGNOIS OF CERVICAL CANCER.

Aged 28 S's routine cervical smear was reported as clear.

Aged 32 S's routine cervical smear was reported as showing cell changes such that a follow up smear one month later was requested. The follow up cervical smear was reported as clear.

Aged 33 S reported bleeding following intercourse and pains in her side. She was diagnosed as suffering from advanced cervical cancer and died five months later.

BREACH OF DUTY

The Defendant accepted that the cervical smears had been misreported.

CAUSATION

The Defendant accepted that proper reporting of the cervical smears would have resulted in treatment that would have saved S's life.

OUTCOME

An award of £332,861 was made by the Court at trial.