Mr P complained that despite repeated requests, emergency department staff refused to X–ray his injured back. This meant his spinal fracture and his tumour were not diagnosed.
What happened
Mr P injured his back and was taken to the emergency department by ambulance. After an examination, the emergency department doctor concluded that an X‑ray was not clinically necessary. Mr P was discharged on the same day.
Mr P continued to have back problems in the following months. After an MRI scan, he was diagnosed with a spinal fracture and a tumour. Mr P then had surgery on his back and chemotherapy to treat his tumour.
Mr P complained to the Trust about what he considered to be inadequate care and treatment, and the failure to diagnose his fracture and tumour.
Mr P said that as a result, he was put at risk of paralysis and moreover, his cancer prognosis was worsened.
What we found
The Trust failed to take an X‑ray when Mr P was in the emergency department. After carefully considering all of the evidence, including comments made by our clinical advisers, we were unable to establish a link between the failing we identified and the injustice claimed by Mr P.
This was because Mr P's condition and prognosis did not worsen and the delay did not alter the treatment he received for his spinal fracture and tumour.
Putting it right
The Trust apologised for the failings we identified and prepared an action plan.
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
Brighton & Hove
Did not apologise properly or do enough to put things right
Apology
Recommendation to learn lessons or draw up an action plan