Daughters And Wife Of 68-Year-Old Raise Awareness Of Signs Of Disease After Lawyers Secure Settlement

A dad died from bowel cancer after GPs did not refer him under the urgent two-week pathway.

James Beasley, of Maltby, Rotherham, attended his GP surgery in March 2020 with a complaint of rectal bleeding.  No examination was carried out.

He returned to the surgery nine months later complaining of constipation, abdominal pain and more bleeding.  He underwent blood tests, however no follow-up appointment took place even though his iron levels were low.

In August 2021, James attended hospital reporting ongoing bowel issues including diarrhoea, pain and weight loss.  At that time, he was referred for a colonoscopy under the two-week pathway.

Following further tests, the dad-of-two was diagnosed with cancer.  He died in February 2023 aged 68.

Medical negligence lawyers instructed by family to investigate

Following James’ death, his daughters Jane, Amanda, and wife Christine, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care and whether his cancer could have been found sooner.

The family and their legal team are now raising awareness of the signs of bowel cancer.

It comes after Irwin Mitchell secured James’ family an undisclosed out of court settlement from the GPs involved in James’ care. The GPs denied liability.

Emily Mansfield is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family.

Expert Opinion

“The last two years have been incredibly difficult for James’ loved ones, who have understandably struggled to come to terms with losing their dad and husband.

“Their grief has been made worse by the questions and concerns they had over his care. While nothing can make up for what’s happened, we’re pleased to have secured the answers the family deserve.

“By sharing James’ story, the family hope they can make others aware of the signs of bowel cancer. Early detection and treatment are key to beating this disease.” Emily Mansfield

Bowel cancer: James Beasley's story

Following James’s diagnosis, in October 2021, he was advised the cancer was terminal.  A decision was made to for him to undergo palliative chemotherapy.  He also had a stoma fitted.

In January 2022, James was given 12 months to live.  The former caretaker died 13 months later.

James was a family man loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Daughter pays tribute to dad and raises awareness of bowel cancer

Jane, a wedding coordinator, said: “Dad had complaining about bowel problems for quite a while but trusted the doctors when they said it was probably haemorrhoids.  So when we were told it was bowel cancer, it completely floored us.

“To then be told that it was terminal devastated us all. Dad worried so much about the rest of us.  Even at his lowest, he cared more about how his illness was impacting us than himself.  That’s the kind of person he was.

“His condition deteriorated quickly within his last year. Watching dad suffer, knowing there was nothing we could do, was awful.

“We miss him every day and while I know nothing will ever change what happened, we felt like we had to get him some answers.

“All we can hope for now is that by sharing dad’s story, we can help prevent someone else from potentially going through a similar ordeal.  If speaking out and raising awareness around bowel cancer can save just one person, it will have been worth it.”

GPs legal representatives admitted a number of issues in care

Following submissions by Irwin Mitchell, the GPs legal representatives admitted a number of issues in James’ care.  This included not adequately obtaining a sufficient history from James during his appointment in March 2020, in addition to other symptoms apart from haemorrhoids, as well as not performing an examination.

It was further admitted that, following James’ return to the surgery in December 2020, blood tests which indicated anaemia – a potential sign of bowel cancer – weren’t acted upon and James wasn’t reviewed.

James should have been invited for a face-to-face appointment, an examination should have taken place and he should also have been referred under the two-week cancer pathway, the GPs legal representatives acknowledged.

Through their legal representatives, the GPs said they were “very sorry for the outcome” and offered “sincere condolences.”

Signs to look out for and support available

Symptoms of bowel cancer include bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo, change in your bowel habits e.g. constipation or diarrhoea, unintentionally losing weight, feeling tired all the time, a pain or lump in your tummy.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families affected by bowel cancer at our dedicated bowel cancer claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0808 303 8148.