A HOSPITAL has apologised after a woman was given the wrong test results three times – before being diagnosed with cancer.
Tanya De Sousa had three smear tests over eight years, all of which were later found out to have given incorrect results.
When she later had a hysterectomy for unrelated reasons, she was found to have cervical cancer and had to have an operation to remove the cancerous cells.
A review of her previous smear test results at King's Mill Hospital was carried out – revealing she had been given the wrong result three times.
In 2003, her test was reported as negative, but later reviewed as inadequate – meaning an accurate result could not be read. The normal procedure would be to have the test repeated.
In 2007, a test was again reported as negative but was later found to be borderline abnormal, meaning slight changes to cells had occurred. Again, she should have been recalled.
In 2010, the test detected the possibility of pre-cancerous cells but Mrs De Sousa was given the all-clear. By the time of the hysterectomy, the cells were cancerous.
The 39-year-old, of Eakring Road, Bilsthorpe, said: "I've found it very difficult to get over. What I want to know now is what happens during their screening process, whether they've learned from the mistakes they've made with me, and what they are doing as a result. I don't want it to happen to anyone else."
Mrs De Sousa had her hysterectomy in May 2011 to remove fibroids – non-cancerous tumours on the womb.
Surgery to remove lymph nodes – as a precaution to stop the cancer spreading – took place three months later in August. She did not need further treatment and the same procedure would have been carried out had the correct results from the test been given in 2010.
A formal complaint has been made to Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust by Mrs De Sousa and her husband, Jan.
They have met with directors at the trust and received an apology but are not satisfied with what they have been told is being done. Since the trust was contacted by the Post, a second meeting has been arranged for next week.
Mrs De Sousa said: "I'm angry at them. The thing is, I've only asked them for a little bit of reassurance and a little bit of information, and they've just fobbed me off.
"I know everyone is human and makes mistakes but it's unforgivable that they've got this wrong so many times.
"I've always gone for my smear tests and never been called back. You take it for granted the results are right."
Dr Nabeel Ali, Sherwood Forest Hospitals' medical director, said the case did not indicate a wider problem. He said: "Inaccuracies over tests is certainly not a common occurrence, as the quality and safety of patient care is always our top priority. Since March 2011, our screening tests have been analysed at a regional centre for cytology at Royal Derby hospital. This follows a decision made by the East Midlands Commissioning Group and relates to several hospitals.
"We have met with Mrs De Sousa and have apologised to her verbally and in writing. We are contacting Mrs De Sousa to offer to meet her again to discuss directly any further concerns she may have."
Nicki Embleton, of Cancer Research UK, said: "It's estimated that cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives each year in the UK."
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