Mum Who Underwent Hysterectomy Reveals Life-Changing Impact Diagnosis Has Had

A mum-of-two was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a life-changing hysterectomy more than two years after her smear test result was incorrectly recorded as normal.

Amie Wood, from Bewdley, Worcestershire, has now spoken for the first time about the impact cancer has had on her life.

It comes after Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which was responsible for analysing the test result admitted a breach of duty in Amie’s care and apologised to the 39-year-old for giving her “incorrect” test results.

If the smear, which showed moderate to severe high grade cell changes, had been correctly reported, Amie would have been referred within a matter of weeks for excision treatment and would have avoided the development of cancer and a hysterectomy, the Trust accepted.

Medical negligence lawyers helping woman access specialist care and support

Amie, who instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to secure answers and help her access the specialist support and therapies she requires, is now supporting Cervical Cancer Prevention Week. She has joined with her legal team in calling for lessons to be learned to improve patient safety.

Kathryn Salt is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Amie.

Expert Opinion

“The past few years have been incredibly difficult for Amie, having to come to terms with her diagnosis and then finding out that it could have been avoided.

“Amie was understandably terrified to be told she had invasive cancer and underwent a hysterectomy at that point as she couldn’t face the possibility of the disease recurring or not being removed completely. Since then, she’s also suffered from increased health anxiety.

“While nothing can make up for the physical and psychological ordeal Amie has been through, we’re pleased that we’ve been able to secure her the answers she deserves.

“Sadly, through our work, we continue to see the devastating effect cancer has. We continue to support Amie as we work towards a settlement which will ensure she can access the specialist support and therapies she requires.

“In the meantime, it’s vital people continue to take part in the cervical cancer screening programme. Early detection and treatment is key to beating cancer.” Kathryn Salt

Cervical cancer: Amie's story

Amie, a teaching assistant, underwent a smear test in October 2019. It was reported as negative but with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can lead to cancer. Amie was advised to return for repeat screening in 12 months’ time.

Follow-up tests in October 2020 and October 2021 found persisting HPV and Amie was referred for further investigation including a colposcopy and biopsy.

In January 2022, Amie, now aged 39, was diagnosed with cervical cancer.

A subsequent NHS audit found that Amie’s 2019 smear result had been misreported and showed abnormal changes.

As a result, she instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care under the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which was responsible for analysing the 2019 test.

Hospital Trust admits breach of duty and accepts cancer could have been avoided if woman had received appropriate care

Through NHS Resolution, the Trust admitted liability and a breach of duty in care, in that the result given was “incorrect.”

It further admitted that had the sample been correctly reported as high-grade moderate or severe changes, Amie would have been referred for follow-up consultation and treatment within two to six weeks.  She would have avoided the development of invasive cancer and subsequent hysterectomy.

The Trust apologised for the “shortcomings in care” provided to Amie and is working with Irwin Mitchell to agree a settlement figure to fund the ongoing care and support she requires.

Following her diagnosis, Amie, who is mum to daughters, underwent a hysterectomy which means she is not able to have any more children as planned with her new partner. Amie also suffers increased anxiety about her health.

Before being diagnosed with cancer Amie also loved working a part-time second job as a personal trainer but she currently feels unable to return to this.

Amie speaks out on impact of 'heart-breaking' diagnosis

Amie said: “Before the cancer, I’d always struggled a bit with anxiety over my health.

“Because of that, I always made sure I went to all my appointments and never had any reason to question the results I was given as I had faith in the medics.

“To be diagnosed with cervical cancer and undergo a hysterectomy was heart-breaking enough but then I found out that my smear results had been misreported and it could have all been avoided.

“To this day, I still struggle to comprehend everything I’ve been through and how close my children could have been to losing their mum. It’s made my anxiety and worries even worse, which I didn’t think was possible.  It’s also deeply upsetting that the choice of having more children has been taken from me.

“At the same time though, I know how lucky I am to still be here and just want to let people know if you’re going through something similar, there is support out there.”

Support available

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.