11
Dec 2018
Patients caught cancer from transplanted organs
Two patients have been diagnosed with cancer after receiving transplants from the same donor at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.
One of the patients has since died and the hospital have said that the ‘tragic outcome’ could not have been anticipated.
NHS Blood and Transplant Service have said it does all it possibly can to check for suitability of all donated organs, but the sudden and speedy nature of organ donation means that it not usually possible to screen donors in advance.
A spokesperson from the service said the medical background of potential organ donors is always ‘carefully checked’ and a biopsy is carried out if an abnormality is found, but “in very rare cases it is possible the donor has a small tumour which can’t be picked up by the tests performed in the limited time available prior to transplant.
“This means the transmission of an undiagnosed cancer is a risk, though thankfully it is extremely rare.”
An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.
If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.
Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Freephone : 0800 304 738
- Like this ? Share with friends