Trust delayed when it diagnosed cancer

What happened

Mr Y's GP referred him to the Trust to investigate a lump at the base of his neck. A consultant saw him in late spring 2011, but his oesophageal cancer was not confirmed until late summer 2011. Trust staff told Mr Y that his cancer was inoperable and he died in autumn 2011.

Mr Y's daughter complained about unnecessary delays in diagnosing her father's illness, and that the treatment he received during this time, in particular pain relief, was inadequate.

What we found

While the Trust carried out many appropriate investigations, it did not perform some tests that it should have. This, along with long delays in both administration and investigations; misguided thinking about provisional diagnoses; and a lack of monitoring by the cancer team; meant that Mr Y's care was not in line with national standards.

We did not find any failings in the assessment and management of Mr Y's pain.

Putting it right

The Trust acknowledged and apologised for its failings and paid Mr Y's family £500. It also agreed to draw up plans to learn lessons from the complaint so that the poor service is not repeated.