Bill Hare, 71, died in a hospice in January last year and an inquest into his death found that his death from metastatic urothelial cancer was contributed to by neglect.
The inquest, in December, highlighted that delays to diagnosis and treatment meant the cancer spread to such an extent any treatment “became futile”.
Now Rebecca Mundy, Assistant Coroner for Essex, has warned that more deaths could occur unless procedures are tightened and there is better liaison between Southend and Basildon hospitals – both part of the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust.
The trust has now admitted that diagnosis was “too slow and the follow up too conservative” and procedures are now being updated.
Following initial scans at Basildon Hospital in November 2022, it was suspected Mr Hare had cancer but no action was taken until he underwent a CT scan in June 2023. Despite the scan taking place, results were not reviewed until August 29, 2023 before Mr Hare was deemed unfit for surgery in September that year.
He returned to hospital twice in the following months but “no positive action was taken in progressing his diagnosis or treatment plan”.
By the time an MRI was carried out on December 20, there was evidence the cancer had spread and Mr Hare was due to be moved to Southend Hospital for specialist treatment. However, the inquest found that issues with transport, a lack of beds, ward closures and junior doctor strikes meant he remained at hospital until January 3, 2024.
By this time, the cancer had spread and treatment became “futile”, according to Ms Mundy. He was placed on an end of life care plan and moved to a hospice where he passed away on 23 January.
Highlighting her concerns, Ms Mundy has demanded answers over the delay in diagnosis, why a hospital transfer was not organised, and a lack of effective interaction between Southend and Basildon hospitals.
Christine Blanshard, Chief Medical Officer for Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “We send our heartfelt condolences to William’s family at this very difficult time. We reviewed William’s case and found that diagnosis was too slow and follow up was too conservative. We have listened to the concerns of the coroner and, since William’s death, we have updated our diagnostic procedures and ensured that cancers where the origin is uncertain are discussed by specialist teams and escalated faster.”