Mother with months to live receives £10,000

15-10-2008

Cancer sufferer Tara Jones has been told she has months to live and has received (in the last few weeks) an emergency payout of £10,000 from Cwm Taf NHS Trust.

The payout follows a minor operation in 2005 when Ms Jones was seen by a doctor at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant.

A mole was removed from her back and sent for testing. At the time she was concerned that it might have been cancerous, and was relieved, a week later, when the test results came back giving the all clear. Unfortunately, the mother of two later fell ill.

She started losing weight (at first attributed to anorexia) and some time later felt a sizable lump under her left arm. With symptoms worsening, Ms Jones returned to hospital on the advice of a friend.

Tragically, earlier this year it came to light after further tests that a reporting error had been made in 2005. The mother of two was duly informed that the mole removed three years previously had been a melanoma, and the cancer, which had been spreading, had reached her bones and had become inoperable.

The medical mistake was explained in a letter from consultant Dr Ian Black to Ms Jones’GP:

“I have informed her [Tara Jones] that a review of the histology from a skin biopsy taken in 2005 has revealed a reporting error. A review of the histological slides made in 2005 has shown that these did indeed reveal a malignant melanoma.” This case, which made the national news in the last few weeks, is an example of the many tragic cases within the purview of the medical negligence sector.

Often, solicitors in this field receive a bad press. But this case is not unique in that a valuable payout has been made which will greatly enhance the patient’s life. Ms Jones hopes the money will give her the opportunity to spend time on holiday with her partner and children, Tyler (6) and Lowis (3). She hopes to spend Christmas with them.

The £10,000 was an emergency payout sanctioned by the Cwm Taf Trust. Ms Jones has instructed a solicitor to pursue a full medical negligence claim.

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