Worthing woman died after doctors misdiagnosed cancer as acid reflux, husband claims

Raymond Gower, from Worthing, says his wife Trish, both 74, had to wait two months for an in-person appointment, by which time her lung cancer had spread.

The father of two claims Trish struggled to get a face-to-face appointment for a cough due to Covid-19 restrictions, and was told over the phone she had acid reflux.

• READ MORE: Investigation launched into ‘large’ house fire

By the time doctors realised she had a rapidly spreading cancer in her lungs, ovaries and lymphatic system, it was too late.

By that time, the cancer was inoperable, and she died a short time after.

Trish and Raymond Gower on Brighton beach

Raymond believes a face-to-face appointment could have saved his wife’s life.

"When we begged for a face-to-face appointment, we were denied access to the surgery,” he said.

"She was healthy before she began to get short of breath - and I know she lost her life sooner than she was supposed to and it is heart-breaking.”

The couple met at the age of 15 and married six years later.

Trish developed a cough in February last year. Tests confirmed it wasn’t Covid, so Raymond attempted to book a GP appointment.

But he says he was told that due to Covid restrictions, Trish was unable to have a face-to-face meeting.

Following her phone appointment, Raymond said she was diagnosed with gastric reflux and prescribed two three-week courses of heartburn medication.

Trish and Raymond Gower, from Worthing, met at the age of 15

“After the first round, I called up the doctor and begged for an in-person appointment,” he said. "I remember saying 'it's not good enough, can't you examine her?' but it didn't make a difference.

Trish’s condition worsened and was soon unable to walk down their hallway or complete a sentence without gasping for breath.

Raymond says it wasn't until Trish developed lumps in her throat that doctors agreed to a face-to-face meeting - two months after first calling the doctors.

She was sent for an emergency scan and diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in her right lung.

It transpired that the cancer had originated in her ovaries before spreading to her lung and lymphatic system.

She underwent chemotherapy to extend her life but after three rounds, Raymond said doctors confirmed it wasn't working.

She died from on July 26, 2021.

Mother died after doctors misdiagnosed cancer as acid reflux, husband claims

Raymond said the frustration over not being able to get a face-to-face appointment will haunt him forever.

"I can't remember a time without her - we travelled the world and raised a family together,” he said.

"Now I have to live without her knowing it could have been different and I don't know what to do with myself."

"We were never explicitly told they wouldn't see her face to face because of a Covid regime but we could tell they were being careful - even when I begged.

"I don't know how long I have left to live, but however long it is, I have to do it alone and that breaks my heart.

"Now I have to live without her knowing it could have been different."

The NHS Sussex CCG has been contacted for comment.