Medical Negligence Lawyers Investigate Woman’s Care

A mum has been left unable to have more children after being diagnosed with cervical cancer three years after her test results were wrongly reported as normal.

Louise Ingham, from Droylsden, underwent a ‘test of cure’ (TOC) smear test in August 2016, where a sample is taken following previous cervical treatment.  The results were reported as normal.  Louise was discharged back to her GP and placed on three-yearly screening.

Around three years later, Louise attended her GP surgery complaining of a history of long and painful periods, brown discharge and a heavy sensation in her pelvis.  She was referred for investigation.

Mum's smear test positive for HPV and 'at least high-grade' changes

A subsequent smear tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) and ‘at least high-grade’ changes.  An MRI scan in April 2020 found a large tumour.

Mum-of-one Louise was diagnosed with stage 2b2 cervical cancer.  Following her diagnosis, an audit of Louise’s 2016 TOC found the results had been misreported as normal, when in fact they showed high grade changes.

Following her diagnosis, Louise, now aged 37, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and help her access the specialist support and therapies she now requires.

Louise has now spoken for the first time about the impact her cancer has had on her life, including how it forced her to give up her career as a nurse.

Former nurse and medical negligence lawyers call for lessons to be learned after Hospital Trust admits liability

She is joining her legal team in supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and in calling for lessons to be learned from her care to help others.

It comes after The Manchester University Foundation NHS Trust, which was responsible for analysing Louise’s 2016 test, admitted liability.  It admitted that had the results been reported correctly on the balance of probabilities, Louise would have been offered appropriate treatment at the end of 2016 and her cervical cancer “would have been prevented.”

The Hospital Trust said it was “very sorry” for the “poor care” that Louise received.

Irwin Mitchell is now working with the Hospital Trust to agree a settlement to fund the ongoing care and support Louise requires.

Ayse Ince is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Louise.

Expert Opinion

“Louise and her family have suffered an incredibly difficult time trying to process her diagnosis and what it means for the future.

“While nothing will make up for the ordeal that Louise has been through, and the physical and emotional impact it continues to have on her and the family, we do now have some answers and continue to work with the Trust to bring Louise’s case to a conclusion.

“Through our work we sadly see the devastating effects that cancer can have. While it’s vital that lessons are learned from Louise’s case to improve patient safety, it’s also important that people continue to attend their screening appointments. Early detection and treatment is key to beating cancer.” Ayse Ince

Cervical cancer: Louise's story

Following her diagnosis, Louise underwent chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy treatment, where a sealed radioactive source is placed inside the body.

She’s been left with multiple complications arising from the chemotherapy.  She’s also gone through an early menopause and is now unable to have more children.

Mum-of-one speaks out on impact of diagnosis and how shop is 'silver lining'

Louise said: “I’d never had any reason to question test results before so when I was told my smear was normal and I could go back to routine screening, I was pleased.

“So when I started getting symptoms, I didn’t think it was much of anything. It seemed to get worse after I had Milah, however, so I thought it best to seek advice.

“It came as a huge shock when I found out that I had cancer, and it was a double blow when I was told my 2016 smear had been misreported. It’s just not something that ever crossed my mind.  The whole situation completely floored me and I didn’t know what to do or how to feel.

“Since then, my whole life has changed.  Prior to my treatment, I was outgoing and loved socialising with friends, but now I struggle a lot with complications from my treatment that I can’t do a lot of what I used to.

“All I’d ever wanted to do and known was to nurse and care for others. In just a few months I’d gone from having a plan and career mapped out to having to leave the vocation I loved while also fighting a life-changing disease.

“The only silver lining is that it gave me the push to open my shop in October, House of Grace, selling bath bombs, oils, candles. I pour my own candles and blend oils which I find therapeutic. It gives me purpose and a way to find a new path for me and my family. I will be holding a raffle this month too to raise awareness of cervical cancer and raise vital funds."

Louise says she's 'grateful' for support

Louise added: “I always dreamed of having more children which has sadly been taken away from me.  I almost feel incomplete in a way as I would have loved to have had a big family and a sister or brother for Milah.

“However, I try not to dwell on the things I can’t change and am grateful for the help and support I do have.  I know I’m one of the lucky ones to have beaten cancer and still be here, so I just hope that by sharing my story I can help others going through what I have.”

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week runs from 22 to 28 January.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families affected by cancer at our dedicated cancer claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.