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How can this be allowed to happen?

(6 Posts)
B9exchange Tue 03-Nov-26 21:07:57

Four days ago I had an oesophageal gastro duodenoscopy in a London clinic. (NHS not available as not sufficient red flags apparently). I was having a heartburn type pain radiating to between the shoulder blades.

A nurse came to me afterwards and handed me a report, went through it very quickly, saying I should read it and I could go home. Endoscopy to be repeated in 3 weeks. If I had questions I could contact them during 9 -5 weekdays, any concerns I should contact 111.

I opened the report in Reception with my son, and it mentioned a malignant looking ulcer. Not what I was expecting!
You can imagine the weekend I had, having to break the news to friends and family, including DH in a wheelchair, I am his sole carer. I tried to email the consultant, but no reply. He did ring me on the Saturday but I could not get to the phone in time, and you can't ring them back.

This morning he rang again, said he just wanted to run through the report to make sure I understood it. He mentioned inflammation and an ulcer, but said there was nothing worrying found. I said that I considered a malignant looking ulcer was very worrying! He denied the report said that, and I asked him to read it. 'Oh that's a mistake, it should say non-malignant' he said.shock

I suppose this is what can happen when you rely on AI to write your reports, but surely a human needs to check them? I have had 4 sleepless nights worrying that my husband might lose his carer, and my family fearing the loss of their mum/granny. What would your reaction be?

Grammaretto Tue 03-Nov-26 21:25:13

How awful! That's shocking B9. Can you complain?
I guess it's good news for you but no thanks to the clinic.

Fallingstar Tue 03-Nov-26 21:46:33

Oh B9, having this to deal with as well as caring for your DH, is just not good enough. The difference between the words malignant and non malignant is the difference between relief and stomach clenching anxiety. Nobody should lose four days to this, is just so cruel.
Complain.
💐

petra Tue 03-Nov-26 21:48:10

B9exchange
You ask how can this be allowed to happen
I’m sick to death of asking this question in relation to the national health. I’m not calling it the national Health service because millions arnt getting a service
Just this week: a young mother to be was sent home with her dead baby still inside her. She was told to phone to make an appointment to birth the baby.

Patsy70 Tue 03-Nov-26 21:56:51

That was very frightening for you. Unnecessary anxiety, which should not have happened. I would imagine that you are so relieved that you would not wish to take it further. However, these errors create so much distress and should be addressed.

MollyNew Tue 03-Nov-26 21:58:45

Poor you! This upset could have all been prevented if the nurse had spent an extra few minutes going through the report with you before you went home.