Stoke mum labelled a 'hypochondriac' diagnosed with terminal cancer
A Stoke-on-Trent mum who was repeatedly sent home from hospital after being dismissed as a 'hypochondriac' by bungling medics has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Laura Sims-Thickett, 40, went to A&E with excruciating back pain which left her unable to walk in November 2021 - but was sent on her way with painkillers.
She returned later that month where blood tests did not spot the cancer and she was once again sent home after being told it was probably muscular issues.
Laura then spent three weeks in extreme agony, during which time her husband Paul was forced to carry her around the house as she was in so much pain.
She returned to A&E in December 2021 where it was found she had broken three vertebrae - but also that she had stage two blood cancer myeloma.
Husband Paul, 40, has now blasted the standard of care provided by Royal Stoke University Hospital and said his wife was left to feel like a 'hypochondriac'.
He says the couple attempted to seek medical help on several occasions but Laura's pleas for help were turned away by both their local GP and A&E doctors.
And even during her cancer treatment, Paul says doctors hurried the mum-of-one through appointments in order to make room for beds.
Paul, from Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent, said: "Laura started to get back ache quite a lot but we thought nothing of it at first.
"The GP said it was just muscular issue and prescribed painkillers. But she was doubled over on the floor, the pain was getting worse.
"I rang emergency services and they said it would be a 12 hour wait. I thought sod that and took myself.
"They sent her home twice from A&E and were told to speak to her GP again. It was getting to the point where I had to carry around the house because she couldn't move.
"On November 24, for a third time I took her up A&E and they finally gave her a bed, it must've twigged.
"But nobody bothered to examine her. They dismissed her as if she was some sort of hypochondriac.
"She was in pain all night, on a drip, she couldn't move and buzzed for nurses for the toilet but they didn't help her quick enough.
"Again her doctor said it just sounds like a muscular issue go see with your GP.
"She knew something was wrong and she couldn't get anyone to believe her. We couldn't get across the seriousness of the pain she was in. Nobody listened to us.
"She was finally diagnosed in December, with the type of cancer she has got all the calcium was leaking out of her bones and making them weak.
"Three of her vertebrae, two fractured and one had started to crumble. They were crumbling to chalk.
"And when she started her treatment, she was always getting pressured by the doctors to see if she was ready to go home and free up a bed."
Laura, who has cerebral palsy, was given Velcade injection treatment and eventually went into remission but the cancer returned in December last year.
Web developer Paul was made redundant shortly after the cancer returned in another blow for the family.
He has now been forced to fundraise to help pay for household bills as he takes 12 months out to care for his wife.
Paul added: "She had never smoked, never taken drugs, and we don't drink, and then to be told she's got this life condition that will eventually kill her at the end of it all.
"We didn't explain to our daughter what was going on, just that she was having treatment for her blood.
"Not once have we had an apology. They've made it clear they're sorry that I'm upset.
"You'll never truly get rid of it. There's terminal cancers that kill you within a few months. It will catch up with her one day.
"I'm using everything I've got in savings to pay for the bills. It has taken its toll emotionally, physically and financially.
"Talk about kicking a man while he's down. I'm going to deplete all of my money before I even touch the money raised.
"Even as Laura's carer I would get £97-a-week, which wouldn't cover my energy bill. We've got no income so the GoFundMe is to help with the bills."
The couple are angry at care provided by the hospital as well as Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) which provides community care.
An MPFT spokesman said: "Although we cannot comment about individual patients without their permission, when a patient is admitted into the care of the community nursing team a full assessment of need is carried out together with the patient and their carer to determine appropriate treatment and care.
"Assessing the patient's risk of developing pressure damage is the first step in pressure ulcer prevention.
"Once a level of risk has been identified, then the correct advice, plan of care, treatment, and equipment to suit individual needs can be provided with the agreement of the patient.
"Trust staff will work closely with the patient and their carer to minimise the risk of or exacerbation of skin breakdown.
"We are sorry Mr Sims-Thickett is not happy with the care provided to his wife and we are always happy to address any concerns about the care we provide via our patient advice and liaison service."
Royal Stoke Hospital chief nurse Ann-Marie Riley said: "We will always aim to deliver the highest standards of care possible and apologise if they have not been met.
"We will investigate when patients and families raise concerns about the care provided in our hospitals, to resolve any issues and see if there are lessons to be learnt.
"We would encourage Mr Sims-Thickett to speak to our patient advice and liaison team who can provide support."
To donate, visit Paul's JustGiving page.
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