Mrs D was recalled for an assessment in summer 2012. She complained about the clinical management of her diagnosis of breast cancer and her subsequent treatment from summer 2012 until winter 2013.
What happened
Following diagnosis, Mrs D underwent several rounds of surgery but did not have an MRI scan. She complained that: the Trust misdiagnosed her cancer; there was confusion about what sort of cancer she had; that she has not been given the most appropriate treatment for her cancer (including not being offered an MRI scan and being given inappropriate medication); and that there are inaccurate notes in her clinical records. She was concerned that, as a direct result of the way in which she was treated, her cancer had spread and was potentially terminal.
What we found
There were no failings in Mrs D's diagnosis or clinical care, and her breast cancer treatment was fully in line with clinical guidelines issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). However, there was poor communication between the health professionals and Mrs D and her family, and this confusion impeded how the Trust handled Mrs D's complaint. The poor communication has not directly affected Mrs D's care and treatment and clinical outcome, but it increased her anxiety when she was already concerned about her health, and contributed to her loss of confidence in the Trust.
Putting it right
The Trust prepared an action plan to remedy communications by its multidisciplinary team.
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
South Yorkshire
Came to an unsound decision
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan