Cambuslang mum suffered months of extreme pain before terminal cancer diagnosis

Cambuslang Mum Endured Months of Severe Pain Before Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

Louise Muldoon, a resident of Cambuslang, experienced months of excruciating pain before being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Initially diagnosed with torticollis, a condition characterized by neck strain and muscle spasms causing the head to tilt to one side, she sought medical help at North Avenue Surgery in January 2020. Despite multiple appointments, both in-person and over the phone, as well as visits to out-of-hours services, medical professionals failed to identify the seriousness of her condition. In July of the same year, Louise was diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Tragically, she passed away aged 65 in November 2020.

Louise’s family, including her husband Kevin and daughters Clare and Deborah, believed that her care was inadequate and that crucial signs were overlooked. Kevin took their concerns to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). He expressed his disappointment with the healthcare Louise received, stating that she endured worsening symptoms without proper investigation or treatment for six months. Despite escalating pain and a significant decline in her health, medical professionals attributed her symptoms to torticollis and prescribed painkillers without addressing underlying issues.

Following a series of appointments and escalating pain levels, Louise was eventually admitted to the hospital in July, where she received the devastating news of her terminal condition. Despite undergoing surgery to alleviate her pain, her health continued to deteriorate rapidly, leading to her passing in November.

The grievances raised by Kevin regarding the care Louise received were upheld by the SPSO. Both NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and North Avenue Surgery issued apologies for the failings in Louise’s care. The ombudsman highlighted missed opportunities for critical examinations and investigations that could have led to an earlier diagnosis and intervention.

Dr Nicola Donoghue, speaking on behalf of North Avenue Surgery, expressed regret for the distress caused to the Muldoon family and confirmed their commitment to implementing recommended changes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

In summary, Louise Muldoon’s tragic experience sheds light on the importance of timely and thorough medical assessments in diagnosing serious conditions. Her story serves as a reminder of the need for healthcare providers to listen attentively to patients’ concerns and conduct comprehensive evaluations to ensure timely interventions and appropriate treatments.