A delay in diagnosis can change the course of treatment entirely. In some cases, it means the difference between planned surgery and emergency intervention, with a lasting impact on recovery and quality of life.
Adam Smith, a specialist solicitor in the Medical Negligence team at NBB Waldrons, secured £87,500 in compensation for Steve Jones, a Detective and member of the Police Federation, following a delayed diagnosis of a bowel obstruction caused by a tumour. As part of his role, Adam supports Police Federation clients across the country. He regularly advises on complex clinical negligence claims, particularly those involving missed or delayed diagnoses.
What Happened: Missed Opportunities to Diagnose Bowel Obstruction
Cases like this often come down to missed opportunities. Not one single error, but a pattern where symptoms are not properly recognised or acted upon.
In March and April 2019, Steve attended his GP and hospital on multiple occasions with abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habit. Initially, he was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and reassured.
On 8th April 2019, his GP identified a concerning lesion and made an urgent referral to hospital, specifically raising the possibility of bowel obstruction. Despite this, when he attended hospital that same day, he was discharged without further investigation.
He returned on 14th April with worsening symptoms, including vomiting and abdominal distension. An X-ray was carried out but, we alleged, not properly interpreted. Again, he was discharged.
A further review on 17th April by a colorectal specialist did not lead to admission or further investigation, despite ongoing symptoms reported by Steve consistent with obstruction.
It was not until 23rd April, following a private consultation, that a CT scan confirmed a bowel obstruction caused by a tumour in the ascending colon. Steve required emergency surgery, including a right hemicolectomy and formation of an ileostomy.
The Impact of Delayed Diagnosis
The consequences of that delay were significant. Had the condition been identified earlier, Steve would likely have undergone planned surgery with a primary anastomosis. This would have preserved intestinal continuity and avoided the need for an ileostomy.
Instead, he underwent emergency surgery, followed by a period living with a stoma and later a second major operation to reverse it.
Delays in diagnosing bowel conditions remain a recognised issue across England and Wales. Guidance from NHS England and NHS Resolution highlights that failures to escalate or investigate persistent symptoms can lead to avoidable harm, particularly where patients present repeatedly.
Steve’s Experience
Steve later shared his experience through the Police Federation. His account reflects the reality behind the clinical detail:
“In April 2019, I was just progressively getting more and more ill,” he recalls, “I was suffering with bloating and stomach cramps and went to the hospital three times and, despite a letter from my GP querying whether there was an obstruction in my bowel, they simply failed to admit me or carry out any further investigation. It appeared like they were just not interested and since I was under 40, I was 39 at the time, they didn’t see me as a risk for this type of cancer.”
“On the third visit, a colorectal consultant spent barely 10 minutes with me, said it was a virus and told me to eat jelly and ice cream. I kept thinking it must just be me and that I was making something out of nothing.”
“On three separate occasions, the doctors had failed to admit me for treatment and to investigate the bowel obstruction which turned out to be bowel cancer. The basis of the case was that had they admitted me on any of those occasions when I was turned away, they would have identified the tumour and I would have been operated on earlier.”
“This would have avoided the need to have a stoma for three years and the need for a second major operation to reverse the stoma. If it had not been for me seeing the private consultant and being immediately referred into the NHS for emergency surgery I would have had a much worse outcome.”
“It was a really lengthy process but, at the end of it, a figure for the settlement was agreed out of court thanks to Adam’s negotiations. He had said all along that it was strong case worth pursuing and that the Defendant had not properly grasped the issues in the case,” Steve explained, “If I am honest, I didn’t really expect to get anything but the support of the Federation and NBB Waldrons gave me the confidence to pursue the case. I didn’t really feel I had anything to lose.”
How the Medical Negligence Claim was Secured
When Steve instructed us, Adam investigated the care provided across each hospital attendance.
Adam obtained expert evidence from specialists in Accident and Emergency medicine, Colorectal Surgery and Radiology. This confirmed that there had been multiple missed opportunities to diagnose a subacute bowel obstruction.
The Defendant denied liability in full throughout. Proceedings were issued and the case was pursued robustly.
Through detailed witness evidence and expert opinion, the Defendant was ultimately placed under significant pressure and accepted the risk of losing at trial, although never formally conceded liability. The claim ultimately settled for £87,500.
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights the importance of recognising patterns in patient symptoms, particularly where individuals present repeatedly with worsening conditions.
It also reinforces the need for clinicians to act on referrals and investigate appropriately. Earlier intervention in this case would not have changed the long-term prognosis, but it would have avoided more invasive treatment and a prolonged recovery.
Adam’s Angle
“Cases involving delayed diagnosis are often about missed opportunities rather than a single decision. When symptoms persist or worsen, it is vital that they are properly investigated. Early advice can help patients understand whether those opportunities were missed and what that means for them.”
Speak to a Medical Negligence Solicitor
If you have experienced a delay in diagnosis or concerns about your medical treatment, it is important to seek advice early.
One of our specialist solicitors at NBB Waldrons would be happy to discuss your situation and help you understand your options with clarity and confidence.
You can also find out more about our Medical Negligence team and how we support clients across England and Wales.
