Yahoo News 'This was an obvious diagnosis' - questions raised over non-verbal patient's tragic cancer death
A coroner will determine whether the death of a patient with learning difficulties who died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital could have been avoided.
Scott Fowler was taken to the emergency department by ambulance on June 6, 2024, after suffering a persistent cough. However it later emerged he was also suffering from testicular cancer - a condition a leading clinician described as "highly treatable".
An inquest into Scott's death, held at Blackpool Town Hall, heard that Scott had epilepsy and learning difficulties and was non-verbal. His mother Julie cared for him at their home in Hollywood Avenue, and looked after his needs.
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"Scott's welfare always came first," she told the coroner. "He was beautiful."
On December 28, 2023, Julie took Scott to see Dr Bedi, a GP at Newton Drive Health Centre, as he had some testicular swelling. The doctor, who was in the final year of her GP training suggested 'conservative management' and advised Scott's mother to report any changes.
Dr Fernandes, a GP partner at the practice, saw Scott on April 23, 2024, as he was showing sypmtoms of a cold or chest infection. There was a further consultation for coughing on May 24, which the doctor said he understood to be a new episode.
On June 6, Scott was admitted to hospital with his mother reporting he had been coughing for around nine weeks. A number of tests were carried out including blood tests and a chest X-ray and doctors concluded he was suffering from aspirational pneumonia. A nasal gastric tube was fitted to provide nutrition while Scott was in the hospital.
It was also discovered that Scott had testicular cancer. The inquest heard from a number of hospital doctors who said that due to Scott's respiratiry condition he was too unwell to be transferred to Royal Preston Hospital for chemotherapy.
However Professton Alison Birtle, lead oncologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said she was not informed of Scott's condition for six and a half days. She explained there is a 24-hour oncology helpline, saying: "Time really is of the essence."
"This was an obvious diagnosis," she said. "I would have expected it to come through our helpline over the weekend or at the very latest on Monday morning."
Prof Birtle said if Scott had been transferred and well enough for treatment, she would say there was a "75 per cent or greater" chance of survival from the cancer. However the coroner will consider evidence from Dr Islam, a consultant urologist, who said Scott was unsuitable for chemotherapy unless there was an improvement in his respiratory condition.
On June 15, 2024, Scott was placed on end of life care and died the following day. The coroner will consider a review of his care when she reaches her conclusion as to his cause of death and whether it could have been avoided. A conclusion will be recorded at a date to be confirmed.
