Te Whatu Ora Waikato failed to pass on critical information about a patient’s X-ray results, resulting in a late cancer diagnosis and an early death, the Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner has found. Dr Vanessa Caldwell released her decision on the case this afternoon, finding the body previously known as the Waikato District Health Board had breached the woman’s right to be informed as stipulated in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. The patient’s general practitioner was also not told the result and the need for her to have follow-up scans.
The patient, only referred to in the decision as Ms A, was later admitted to hospital and diagnosed with metastasised cancer in her lungs, lymph nodes, liver and bones. Ms A died weeks later. The issue began when Ms A visited her GP to check a lump on her neck.
The doctor referred her for an ultrasound which found abnormal lymph nodes. An initial X-ray also found abnormalities. Ms A’s doctor told her to have another X-ray in six weeks because it appeared her health problems were going away.
The lump on her neck had shrunk and a cough she had had improved. The GP did not follow up on the repeat X-ray. Calwell criticised the GP for not following up, saying this was a factor in Ms A’s delayed diagnosis.
Four days later, Ms A returned to her GP due to upper back pain. Her doctor was concerned the pain could have indicated metastasised cancer in her bones and discussed her concerns with an oncolog.
