Emails with life expectancies given

Offline WorriedRelative over 3 years ago

Hi, I'm concerned about communication to a relative. It seems very harsh to me and I'm cross on their behalf.

Basically they were sent an email saying their lung cancer was incurable and they had 2 years to live. Then 2 weeks later another email saying that the hospital had sent the CT scans to a "top oncologist" who had reviewed them and actually the life expectancy is now 8 months.

I'm shocked that this devastating news hasn't been given face to face. Is this acceptable practice? Does anyone have any experience of this type of communication? Thanks so much.

Moderator Renata over 3 years ago

Welcome to Cancer Chat, WorriedRelative.
I'm sorry to hear that your relative has been addressed in a manner you don't feel is appropriate.
It might be a good idea to ring the hospital and ask if this is common practice? Sadly I can't tell you whether this is the norm or not but I hope others who know more will come here shortly to chat with you and offer insight.
You might want to consider giving our team of nurses a call to ask, too, if you think that could be helpful. They're available Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m on this freephone 0808 800 4040.
Best wishes,
Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator
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Offline davek over 3 years ago

This is unacceptable and is a breach of both best practice and the patients charter.
It is probably a terrible indicator of the current corporate culture within the Trust in question.
You are within your rights to raise this with your MP, CQC, your local Integrated Care Board (or the Welsh, Scottish or NI equivalent) as well as with the Trust's Chief Executive. Don't be palmed off into to contacting PALs - they're OK for minor complaints but are way down the hierarchy.

Good Luck
Dave
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