A MUM spent months in pain before dying after doctors misdiagnosed her weight loss as a food phobia, a report says. Ann Jones, 69, had a bowel cancer operation. But hospital staff failed to identify complications after the surgery and her weight loss was blamed on psychological issues. Mrs Jones, a grandma from Rhyl, North […]
A MUM spent months in pain before dying after doctors misdiagnosed her weight loss as a food phobia, a report says.
Ann Jones, 69, had a bowel cancer operation.
But hospital staff failed to identify complications after the surgery and her weight loss was blamed on psychological issues.
Mrs Jones, a grandma from Rhyl, North Wales, died in 2019 of a blocked bowel blood vessel.
Her family complained to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.
They got compensation of £5,000 and ombudsman Nick Bennett said: “This case involved an alarming, systemic misdiagnosis.
“Significant failings and deficiencies took place before, during and after discharge from hospital.
“These failings impacted upon her human rights in terms of her dignity but also her quality of life.
“There was also an impact on the patient’s family’s rights in terms of witnessing her debilitating decline.”
Gill Harris, deputy chief executive at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We sincerely apologise.”
“We are currently working with the relevant clinical teams to implement the necessary improvements.”
