Question 1

Patricia felt unwell and went to see her GP. She was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Two months later she went to a masseuse in her local town. She told her the lump in her abdomen could have a more sinister cause.

Patricia went back to her GP and this time she was referred to Chelmbridge Hospital for a scan. After the scan Patricia was told she had benign fibroids - non-cancerous growths around the womb.

Patricia continued to feel very unwell, and Chelmbridge Hospital carried out more scans. The Hospital decided that she had a lump that should be removed. The lump was the size of a grapefruit when she had that removed eight months later, but a biopsy confirmed it was uterine leiomyosarcoma - a cancer of the soft tissue in her uterus.

Patients with this cancer are expected to live for two years. As it's so rare, there's not a lot of research into it. Patricia thinks that women generally get diagnosed late and they are not given enough attention in the NHS system.

Patricia requested her medical notes. At first the Hospital refused to give her the notes but two months later, after much persistence by Patricia, the Hospital provided the notes. The notes noted multiple cysts on her liver had been spotted. At her request, further scans were done, revealing the cancer had spread to her liver, lungs, and hip bone.

After a hysterectomy, Patricia underwent six cycles of chemotherapy. Patricia has come to you for advice as to whether she can bring a claim against the NHS. She also wants to know that if she dies before then, can a claim still be brought.

Advise Patricia