Urgent Warning After Mum Dies of Womb Cancer Due to NHS Waiting List Delays

Lengthy Waiting Lists Leading to Tragic Consequences

An urgent warning has been issued following the death of a beloved mother, Carla Smith, who passed away from womb cancer after facing unacceptable delays on NHS waiting lists. Coroner Samantha Goward has expressed concern over the lengthy waiting times, stating that more women could suffer the same fate if urgent action is not taken.

Risk of Declining Health and Limited Treatment Options

Ms. Goward highlighted the serious consequences of extended waiting lists, with women facing significant deterioration and a decrease in available treatment options. Shockingly, some women are waiting up to seven months for urgent referrals and nearly 14 months for routine referrals, putting their health at risk.

Call for Government Response

In a report titled Prevention of Future Deaths, Ms. Goward has called on the government to address the issue promptly. The NHS consultant's admission that catching up with the backlog seems impossible underscores the severity of the situation.

Tragic Loss of Carla Smith

Carla Smith, described as loving, funny, and generous, lost her battle with womb cancer in June 2023. Despite initially seeking medical help almost a year earlier, delays in diagnosis and treatment proved fatal. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of delayed healthcare.

Failure in Timely Referrals

Ms. Smith's history of symptoms, including excessive vaginal bleeding, should have prompted a prompt referral to the gynaecology team. However, delays in the process ultimately led to a devastating outcome. The need for efficient and timely referrals is crucial to preventing similar tragedies in the future.