An elderly woman, Marie Stibbe, from Tiverton, Devon, was discharged with only paracetamol despite her liver tumor growing significantly. Her daughter criticized the care provided by doctors as inadequate.
Initially suspected of having ovarian cancer, Marie was later diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, a common form of liver cancer. By the time her immunotherapy treatment began, her tumor had doubled in size to 15cm, causing liver complications.
The NHS standard of commencing cancer treatment within 62 days was not met in Marie’s case. Despite a positive assessment of outpatient care at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, delays in cancer treatment were highlighted in a recent report by the Care Quality Commission.
In pursuit of alternative options, Marie’s daughter consulted a liver specialist who recommended further scans and immunotherapy treatment. Feeling let down by the NHS, the family decided to seek treatment at the Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine in India.
To fund the overseas treatment, the family initiated a GoFundMe campaign, which has so far raised £4,580 out of a £16,000 target. Marie is prepared for the treatment journey, with the family hoping for a better outcome than what was offered by the NHS.
Described as the pillar of the family, Marie’s loved ones are determined to fight for her health. The Royal Devon University Healthcare Foundation Trust is investigating the concerns raised by the family regarding Marie’s care.
