Family to take legal action against hospital over negligence

A family is taking legal action against Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after doctors failed to diagnose a patient with bowel cancer.

Glynis Pearson, a psychiatric nurse, was told she had irritable bowel syndrome, then was told she had haemorrhoids and she then had her appendix removed.

It took doctors a year and a half before the cancer was diagnosed. By this time it was too late and the cancer had spread and could not be cured.

Mrs Pearson, 51, who lived in Fakenham, began legal action for negligence against the N&N but died before it could be brought to court.

Her three sons have taken up the claim as they believe if she had received the proper treatment, she would still be alive.

Misdiagnosis may have been responsible for death

Mrs Pearson, who worked at the Queens Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn began suffering with stomach pain in 2002.

She went to her GP who first treated her for irritable bowel syndrome, then transferred her to N&N who diagnosed her with haemorrhoids.

But this did not help her and she became increasingly ill and was admitted again in May 2003. She was diagnosed with appendicitis and had her appendix removed. Tests showed that the appendix was not at fault.

She was not seen again by doctors until August and wasn't internally examined until October when a bowel obstruction was found. She underwent surgery and tests showed she had cancer and it had spread to her lungs.

There was nothing that could be done for her and she died on July 30, 2005.

The N&N denies responsibility and is fighting the case.

If you or someone you know has been affected by misdiagnosis or negligence at your hospital or medical practise, our experts can help take action. Fill in our online claims form for free advice.