A hospital in the northern English city of Doncaster has committed a major blunder. For example, the staff wanted to wish all patients a happy holiday, but instead sent a message saying they had lung cancer. Most recipients were already overcome with panic when they were told an hour later that it was a – very unfortunate – mistake.
The hospital, Askern Medical Practice, sent the alarming message to all its patients on December 23: 8,000 in total. An initial text message stated that they had an aggressive form of lung cancer with metastases. The patients were also asked to fill in a form that allows people with a terminal illness to claim certain benefits.
It wasn’t until an hour later that the patients received a second text explaining that it had been a mistake and was actually meant to wish them a Merry Christmas. “We sincerely apologize for the huge mistake,” the hospital said.
“I completely collapsed”
Patient Sarah Hargreaves got the message while shopping, she tells the British press. The woman was normally supposed to get the results of a medical test that day. When she read the unexpected message, she said she completely collapsed. “I just had a mole removed later and was waiting for the results of the biopsy (…). So yes, I was very concerned.” Hargreaves tried to reach the hospital several times, but couldn’t get through.
For 57-year-old Chris Reed, the message was an extra shock, as the man had recently been tested for lung cancer. After being misdiagnosed, Reed rushed to the hospital with his partner, only to be told that his test results were actually negative, meaning he didn’t have cancer at all.
The incident has also caused a stir on social media after some patients shared screenshots of the messages. The hospital itself has not yet responded to the blunder.
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