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health17h ago
Doctors failed to tell father of seven he was terminally ill, investigation finds
News.sky.com and 1 more
- The original hospital inquiry found that Countess of Chester Hospital failed to disclose the terminal prognosis to William Chapman, delaying crucial care decisions and planning with his family.
- Chapman, known as Syd, learned of his terminal pulmonary fibrosis only after a GP mentioned it during a phone call, highlighting communication gaps.
- The investigation cited a worrying lack of accountability and poor record-keeping at the hospital, undermining patient trust.
- Chapman died eight months after the prognosis was first framed as uncertain, leaving his family lamenting lost time together.
- The Ombudsman found no failings in the clinical care itself, despite issues around communication and records.
- The hospital apologized unreservedly and committed to improvements in both service delivery and recordkeeping.
- Chapman’s wife received £1,200 as part of the resolution, signaling a financial acknowledgment of the case's impact.
- The case underscores the need for timely disclosure of prognoses to empower patient choice and informed decision-making.
- Chapman’s case involved a pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis after months of uncertainty, highlighting gaps between initial concerns and definitive diagnosis.
- Families feel let down and call for accountability and improved hospital communication and records handling.
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