How a 7-month delay changed a grandfather's cancer diagnosis from curable to fatal
- Replies 9
Along with ageing comes various health problems, and while this may not be something we enjoy, it's crucial to take care of our well-being.
One essential aspect of maintaining good health is undergoing regular check-ups and screenings. These routine assessments can significantly enhance a person's quality of life, regardless of the health challenges they may be facing.
Unfortunately, the importance of timely medical tests has recently come into the spotlight due to a distressing incident involving Billy Hassan, a grandfather from South Australia.
A few months earlier, his cancer was reported to be 'curable'. However, after an excruciating seven-month wait for a crucial scan, doctors then told him he had twelve months left to live.
It all started back in January when doctors discovered a spot on Mr Hassan's lung. Initially, his physicians saw the tumour as something treatable and recommended that he wait several months before coming back for a series of scans.
This delay, however, cost Mr Hassan and his family dearly—the cancer had already spread to his throat and lymph nodes by the time he returned for his check-up.
The 11-month prognosis he was given at this point means that the 67-year-old has just twelve months left to live. That number could have been much higher had it not been for the seven-month wait.
'If I would have been treated, it would have been good. Now we'll [have to] wait and see,' Mr Hassan told a news source.
Mr Hassan is still holding onto hope and has decided to move to Rockhampton, Queensland, for a second opinion. Here, family and the medical system may be able to provide him with better odds of success and, subsequently, a better quality of life in his final months.
Mr Hassan's daughter, Trina Selleck, is also angry at the South Australian State and Health Minister Chris Picton, who she believes failed her father in the worst way possible.
'They've taken his life away,' she said in an emotional statement.
Mr Picton has since reacted to the situation and said he had asked the Department of Health to investigate it 'as a matter of urgency'. He has also offered to meet with Mr Hassan in person to hear his complaint directly and to follow up with the hospital.
'I was concerned to hear of Mr Hassan's case, and I've asked the Lyell McEwin Hospital to look into this matter urgently and report back to my office,' said Mr Picton in a statement.
'I am happy to meet with Mr Hassan, should he wish, to hear his concerns directly and follow them up with the doctors and nurses at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.'
Mr Hassan's case is the second instance of its kind, as another man from Southern Adelaide came forward with a similar experience. He, too, had to endure a five-month wait for treatment after a bowel cancer screening.
This issue is part of a larger nationwide problem highlighted by a recent report at Gold Coast University Hospital, one of Queensland's busiest hospitals. The report revealed that almost 55,000 radiology scans remain unchecked, raising concerns that patients may have serious health conditions that have gone undiagnosed.
The backlog of medical imaging scans has been building up for approximately 18 months, mainly due to staff shortages and increased demand for medical imaging services.
Adding to the challenge, a pay cut for radiologists working in public hospitals has prompted many of them to seek employment in the private sector, exacerbating the shortage of qualified staff.
If you'd like to learn more about this story, you can read the article at this link.
Timely screening and treatment can be the key to saving lives. At the Seniors Discount Club, we emphasise the importance of staying updated with regular check-ups and screenings. Don't hesitate to reach out to your local GP or health specialist to schedule an appointment. It could be a decision that proves to be life-saving!
We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Have you ever faced delays in getting a necessary scan for diagnosis? Please share your stories in the comments section below!
One essential aspect of maintaining good health is undergoing regular check-ups and screenings. These routine assessments can significantly enhance a person's quality of life, regardless of the health challenges they may be facing.
Unfortunately, the importance of timely medical tests has recently come into the spotlight due to a distressing incident involving Billy Hassan, a grandfather from South Australia.
A few months earlier, his cancer was reported to be 'curable'. However, after an excruciating seven-month wait for a crucial scan, doctors then told him he had twelve months left to live.
Mr Hassan said that doctors found cancer growing in one of his lungs, but at that point, it was in its early stages and curable. Credit: Shutterstock.
It all started back in January when doctors discovered a spot on Mr Hassan's lung. Initially, his physicians saw the tumour as something treatable and recommended that he wait several months before coming back for a series of scans.
This delay, however, cost Mr Hassan and his family dearly—the cancer had already spread to his throat and lymph nodes by the time he returned for his check-up.
The 11-month prognosis he was given at this point means that the 67-year-old has just twelve months left to live. That number could have been much higher had it not been for the seven-month wait.
'If I would have been treated, it would have been good. Now we'll [have to] wait and see,' Mr Hassan told a news source.
Mr Hassan is still holding onto hope and has decided to move to Rockhampton, Queensland, for a second opinion. Here, family and the medical system may be able to provide him with better odds of success and, subsequently, a better quality of life in his final months.
Mr Hassan's daughter, Trina Selleck, is also angry at the South Australian State and Health Minister Chris Picton, who she believes failed her father in the worst way possible.
'They've taken his life away,' she said in an emotional statement.
Mr Picton has since reacted to the situation and said he had asked the Department of Health to investigate it 'as a matter of urgency'. He has also offered to meet with Mr Hassan in person to hear his complaint directly and to follow up with the hospital.
'I was concerned to hear of Mr Hassan's case, and I've asked the Lyell McEwin Hospital to look into this matter urgently and report back to my office,' said Mr Picton in a statement.
'I am happy to meet with Mr Hassan, should he wish, to hear his concerns directly and follow them up with the doctors and nurses at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.'
Mr Hassan's case is the second instance of its kind, as another man from Southern Adelaide came forward with a similar experience. He, too, had to endure a five-month wait for treatment after a bowel cancer screening.
This issue is part of a larger nationwide problem highlighted by a recent report at Gold Coast University Hospital, one of Queensland's busiest hospitals. The report revealed that almost 55,000 radiology scans remain unchecked, raising concerns that patients may have serious health conditions that have gone undiagnosed.
The backlog of medical imaging scans has been building up for approximately 18 months, mainly due to staff shortages and increased demand for medical imaging services.
Adding to the challenge, a pay cut for radiologists working in public hospitals has prompted many of them to seek employment in the private sector, exacerbating the shortage of qualified staff.
If you'd like to learn more about this story, you can read the article at this link.
Timely screening and treatment can be the key to saving lives. At the Seniors Discount Club, we emphasise the importance of staying updated with regular check-ups and screenings. Don't hesitate to reach out to your local GP or health specialist to schedule an appointment. It could be a decision that proves to be life-saving!
We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Have you ever faced delays in getting a necessary scan for diagnosis? Please share your stories in the comments section below!
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just want We people of Australia to understand the system can be better if this government pulled up their socks....
