Husband Joins Medical Negligence Lawyers In Calling For Lessons To Be Learned

A grandmother died of gynaecological cancer following an eight-month diagnosis delay during which she was prescribed HRT cream.

Christine Candy was seen at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth on 25 March, 2020. It followed an urgent two-week cancer referral to the gynaecology clinic after Christine reported abnormal bleeding and a GP found an ulcerated area.

However, no mass was reported.  Christine, of Southsea, Hampshire, was sent for non-urgent tests and prescribed a HRT cream.

Two months later, she was referred to the clinic again due to continued bleeding.

Woman diagnosed with stage four cancer

In December 2020, around eight months after she first reported symptoms, Christine was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

Christine instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care under Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, which runs Queen Alexandra Hospital, and whether more could have been done to diagnose her cancer sooner.

Christine was subsequently advised her condition was terminal.  She died in May 2023, aged 70. Her husband Michael, 80, who took on his wife’s quest for answers has now joined his legal team at Irwin Mitchell in calling for lessons to be learned.

Health bosses admit that if woman had been examined cancer would have been diagnosed and she probably would have had 75% chance of long-term survival

It comes after the Hospital Trust admitted a breach of duty in Christine’s care.

The Trust admitted there was a failure to examine Christine appropriately on 25 March, 2020. If an examination was carried out, Christine’s cancer would have been diagnosed sooner and she would have started treatment by around mid-April 2020.  On the balance of probabilities, with ongoing oncology follow-up, she would have had a 75% long-term survival rate, the Trust acknowledged.

Marianne Stapleton is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Michael.

Expert Opinion

“Christine’s death continues to have a profound effect on Michael, and their family who have understandably struggled to come to terms with losing her in such a tragic way.

“Prior to her death, Christine had many questions and concerns over her diagnosis. While it’s sadly too late for her, we’re pleased to have been able to establish some answers so Michael can honour her memory. It’s the least they both deserve.

“However, it’s now vital that lessons are learned from Christine’s case to improve patient safety for others.

“Anyone with similar symptoms should also seek medical advice. Early detection and treatment is key to beating cancer.” Marianne Stapleton

Cancer: Christine's story

In 1996, Christine underwent a hysterectomy after abnormal cervical cells were found.

Following her gynaecology appointment on 25 March, 2020, she was advised she would be contacted in four months’ time for a review.

Christine contacted her GP again on 21 July 2020, who requested an urgent review at the clinic.  It was also noted that Christine’s follow-up was due.  However, she was informed that clinics were running behind.

Christine’s review took place that November, which identified an area of concern.  Further tests were carried out and she was diagnosed with cancer the following month.

Despite undergoing treatment, Christine, a retired administrator, died on 8 May, 2023.

The Hospital Trust also admitted that following the GP letter on 21 July 2020, an urgent two-week appointment should have been made for Christine to investigate the possible cause of her bleeding.  It apologised that this wasn’t done.

At the time of her death, Christine had been married to Michael for 44 years.  They had one son, Adam, and two grandchildren, Elizabeth, 16, and 10-year-old Eric.

Husband pays tribute to 'most vibrant and loved' wife

Michael, a retired technical sales manager, said: “When we found out Christine’s diagnosis, our world fell apart.  She knew there was something going on, but she had been reassured by medics and not for one minute did we think she’d have cancer.

“She was determined to fight it as she wanted to see our grandchildren grow up, but once she was told it was Stage 4, she understood that this would mean it was terminal.  At that point, she became even more distraught knowing about all the important things she would be missing out on.

“Losing Christine so soon afterwards was heart-breaking and something I’ll never get over.  We were soulmates and I still struggle every single day without her.  She was the kindest person I knew and to have to see her deteriorate over time was devastating.

“She was the most vibrant and loved wife, mum, grandma and sister, and was the hub for extended family parties and get-togethers.  She’s terribly missed by all of us.

“I know nothing will ever bring Christine back to me, but I don’t want her death to be in vain.  If raising awareness can help save one life, it’ll have been worth sharing her story.  She always told me that she wished she’d pushed for a second opinion; if that had happened, she might still be here.”

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