In July 2019, I had a scan that was reviewed by only one radiologist, as is standard practice. Two years later, October 2021 my gynaecologist confirmed that my ovarian cancer had returned and impacted my bowel.

This led to major surgery and the imposition of a life-changing stoma. If two doctors had independently reported on their findings at the time of my initial scan, I would only have required chemotherapy, plus lifetime management.

This is not just about me; it's about all patients who rely on accurate and thorough medical diagnosis to guide their treatment plans.

“Diagnostic errors contribute to approximately 10% of patient deaths and to as many as 17% of hospital adverse events yet have remained largely ignored in recent quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, a new report from the US Institute of Medicine has found”. (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h5064

Therefore, we are calling for a ruling that mandates all scans be independently viewed by two specialists. This will ensure an additional layer of scrutiny which could potentially save lives and improve outcomes through earlier diagnosis.

Taking proactive action in this way would reduce the risk of cancer being missed, improve patient safety and help to reduce the pressure on NHS staff.  

“Together with progressive treatments, this could result in less deaths, families enjoying longer, healthier lives together, and extending the life expectancy of all cancer sufferers, both now and in the future.”

As a further consequence, accurate recording and reporting will reduce unnecessary trauma for the patient, earlier intervention could also reduce time and cost to the NHS.

Please sign this petition if you agree that every patient deserves an independent double-check system for their scans as part of standard medical practice.