Louise Ingham
Photo by SWNS/Irwin Mitchell

Mum’s Life-Changing Diagnosis Revealed After Test Results Were Wrongly Declared Normal

A heartbreaking case has emerged as Louise Ingham, a mother from Droylsden, Tameside, was diagnosed with cervical cancer three years after her test results were incorrectly reported as normal. This devastating misdiagnosis has left Louise unable to have more children and forced her to abandon her career as a nurse.

Louise underwent a ‘test of cure’ (TOC) smear test in August 2016, following previous cervical treatments. According to her lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, the results were erroneously reported as normal, leading to her discharge back to her GP with a recommendation for three-yearly screenings. However, three years later, Louise began experiencing severe symptoms, including long and painful periods, brown discharge, and a heavy pelvic sensation. These symptoms prompted her to seek further medical investigation, reported by the Manchester Evening News.

A subsequent smear test revealed a positive result for human papillomavirus (HPV) and significant cellular changes. An MRI scan conducted in April 2020 identified a large tumor, leading to her diagnosis of stage 2b2 cervical cancer. Irwin Mitchell conducted an audit of her 2016 TOC and discovered that the results had been misreported; they actually indicated high-grade changes that warranted immediate treatment.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust has admitted liability, acknowledging that their care for Louise fell below the expected standards. The trust has issued an apology and is currently negotiating a settlement with Louise’s legal team. Irwin Mitchell stated, “Had the results been reported correctly on the balance of probabilities, Ms Ingham would have been offered appropriate treatment at the end of 2016 and her cervical cancer would have been prevented”, according to the Sun.

The consequences of the misdiagnosis have been profound. Louise has undergone chemoradiotherapy and brachytherapy, a treatment that involves placing a sealed radioactive source inside the body. These treatments have induced early menopause, rendering her unable to have more children. Additionally, the misdiagnosis forced her to leave her beloved nursing career, drastically altering her life.

Louise shared her emotional journey, saying, “I always dreamed of having more children which has sadly been taken away from me.” She continued, “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.”

Ayse Ince, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Louise, commented, “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.”

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust reiterated their apology, stating, “We accept that our care for Louise fell below the standards which she could expect, and we once again apologise for this. We are now in discussions to agree a final settlement, and hope that this can be done as quickly as possible.”

As Louise battles her illness and copes with the loss of her ability to expand her family, her case underscores the critical importance of accurate medical testing and transparent communication within healthcare systems. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that medical errors can have on individuals and their families.

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