Menu
11/08/2008
Man To Take Legal Action Over Cancer 'Blunder'
A man has alleged that a hospital needlessly removed his healthy lung after being misdiagnosed with cancer.
Laurence Ball, 58, of Shetland, had surgery at Aberdeen Royal infirmary to remove a tumour on his lung.
However, Mr Ball, was later told that there had never been cancer in the organ and he is now planning to take legal action.
NHS Grampian says the case is now in the hands of the Central Legal Office.
In May 2005, Mr Ball suffered a chest infection and was sent for tests at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
He was told he had cancer in his left lung and then underwent surgery three months later to have a tumour removed.
After the operation, Mr Ball was told he did not need chemotherapy as there had never been cancer in his lung in the first place.
Mr Ball's solicitor has been told by NHS Grampian that an investigation found no "individual blame, incompetence or negligence".
Mr Ball told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that following the news of his procedure he was "traumatised and in deep shock".
He said he had "lost everything", his job as a firefighter, his health and has had "years of a happy retirement stolen from me".
"I was given a misdiagnosis, I've lost my lung and I lost my job."
Mr Ball added that "at the very least", an "explanation" should be given and that he should receive "financial compensation" for loss of earnings.
"We are very disappointed that we have received no explanation, apology or compensation for all my wife and I have been through," he said.
An NHS Grampian spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case.
(DS)
Laurence Ball, 58, of Shetland, had surgery at Aberdeen Royal infirmary to remove a tumour on his lung.
However, Mr Ball, was later told that there had never been cancer in the organ and he is now planning to take legal action.
NHS Grampian says the case is now in the hands of the Central Legal Office.
In May 2005, Mr Ball suffered a chest infection and was sent for tests at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
He was told he had cancer in his left lung and then underwent surgery three months later to have a tumour removed.
After the operation, Mr Ball was told he did not need chemotherapy as there had never been cancer in his lung in the first place.
Mr Ball's solicitor has been told by NHS Grampian that an investigation found no "individual blame, incompetence or negligence".
Mr Ball told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that following the news of his procedure he was "traumatised and in deep shock".
He said he had "lost everything", his job as a firefighter, his health and has had "years of a happy retirement stolen from me".
"I was given a misdiagnosis, I've lost my lung and I lost my job."
Mr Ball added that "at the very least", an "explanation" should be given and that he should receive "financial compensation" for loss of earnings.
"We are very disappointed that we have received no explanation, apology or compensation for all my wife and I have been through," he said.
An NHS Grampian spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case.
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 June 2012
British Lung Foundation Warn Of Risk With Cannabis Use
Experts at the British Lung Foundation (BLF) are warning that the public dangerously underestimates the health risks linked to smoking cannabis. A survey of 1,000 adults found a third wrongly believed cannabis did not harm health.
British Lung Foundation Warn Of Risk With Cannabis Use
Experts at the British Lung Foundation (BLF) are warning that the public dangerously underestimates the health risks linked to smoking cannabis. A survey of 1,000 adults found a third wrongly believed cannabis did not harm health.
17 November 2003
Charities call for more lung cancer scanners
Leading lung cancer experts, charities and patients have today called on the government to provide more scanners for lung cancer patients in England and Wales.
Charities call for more lung cancer scanners
Leading lung cancer experts, charities and patients have today called on the government to provide more scanners for lung cancer patients in England and Wales.
26 February 2015
62-Year-Old Admits Possession Of Bomb-Making Materials
Firefighters tackling a blaze at a tower block in Edinburgh uncovered bomb-making equipment. The man who lived at the flat, 62-year-old Faris al-Khori, pleaded guilty to possessing explosive ingredients and instructions on how to prepare bombs.
62-Year-Old Admits Possession Of Bomb-Making Materials
Firefighters tackling a blaze at a tower block in Edinburgh uncovered bomb-making equipment. The man who lived at the flat, 62-year-old Faris al-Khori, pleaded guilty to possessing explosive ingredients and instructions on how to prepare bombs.
16 April 2012
Celebs Support Early Detection Drive
Sharon Osbourne and football legends Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson are among the celebrities backing a drive to increase the early detection of cancer.
Celebs Support Early Detection Drive
Sharon Osbourne and football legends Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson are among the celebrities backing a drive to increase the early detection of cancer.
24 October 2014
Ashya King's Condition Improves
Brain cancer sufferer Ashya King is to complete his last sessions of proton therapy after his condition improved. The five-year-old is being treated at the Proton Therapy Centre (PTC) in Prague. Ashya's parents sparked controversy after they took him out of a hospital in Southampton without permission.
Ashya King's Condition Improves
Brain cancer sufferer Ashya King is to complete his last sessions of proton therapy after his condition improved. The five-year-old is being treated at the Proton Therapy Centre (PTC) in Prague. Ashya's parents sparked controversy after they took him out of a hospital in Southampton without permission.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
