Mr D was referred to the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital, Margate by his GP in March 2008 following an episode of haematuria with left groin pain. The hospital took no action and as a result of this omission appropriate investigations were not undertaken and Mr D’s diagnosis of renal tumour was delayed by more than 2 years.
During the period of delay Mr D suffered significant physical discomfort and, following diagnosis, enormous anxiety that the delay had placed him in a life threatening position.
In response to this claim East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust admitted full liability and apologised to Mr D for the error.
The Trust agreed to pay for psychotherapy in order to alleviate Mr D’s psychiatric injuries and the claim was settled upon the conclusion of his treatment in the sum of £26,500.
Steve Evans, who had conduct of the claim, commented:
“The presence of haematuria mandated further urology assessments in order to achieve a timely diagnosis. In this case the delay was inexcusable and I am pleased that East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust handled the claim sensibly and paid for our client’s treatment. This enabled our client to both move on from his ordeal and receive a satisfactory financial settlement.”