A grandmother, Marie Stibbe, found herself in distressing circumstances as doctors initially misdiagnosed her cancer, leading to delays in treatment. Her daughter, Rachael, expressed shock at the inadequate care provided by healthcare professionals, especially after Marie’s tumor grew rapidly in size.
Marie, aged 79 and residing in Tiverton, Devon, first experienced symptoms in February, prompting medical investigations at Exeter Hospital. Initially suspected of having ovarian cancer, Marie was later diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, a prevalent form of liver cancer.
Rachael criticized the NHS for the delayed initiation of Marie’s immunotherapy treatment, which began only after the tumor doubled in size and her liver health deteriorated. The NHS standard of commencing cancer treatment within 62 days of referral was not met in Marie’s case, as she had to wait 92 days.
Concerns about treatment delays were also highlighted in a recent Care Quality Commission report, which noted prolonged waiting times for cancer treatment at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Despite these delays, the hospital’s outpatient services were rated as “good.”
Frustrated with the NHS’s handling of her mother’s case, Rachael sought a second opinion from a liver specialist at King’s College Hospital. The specialist recommended a comprehensive assessment of Marie’s condition, including imaging scans and immunotherapy, emphasizing the potential benefits of timely intervention.
Disheartened by the lack of proactive care from Exeter Hospital, Rachael decided to explore treatment options abroad. After ruling out facilities in Germany, the Stibbe family turned to the Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine in Gurugram, India, known for its advanced medical expertise.
To fund Marie’s treatment overseas, the family launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has garnered substantial support from donors. With travel arrangements in place, Marie is set to undergo treatment in India, with hopes of better care and outcomes than what was offered by the NHS.
Despite the challenges, the Stibbe family remains determined to fight for Marie’s health, highlighting her vital role as the family’s “backbone.” Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to ensuring a brighter future for Marie, especially for the sake of her beloved grandson, Liam.
In response to the raised concerns, a spokesperson from the Royal Devon University Healthcare Foundation Trust assured that investigations into the matter are ongoing and pledged to address the issues directly once the investigations are concluded.
