Update: Jane’s family has told us that she is now being seen by relevant professionals at PAH.

They are hoping that a proper health path can be opened that will see her return home.

The family has, through us, passed on their appreciation to you all.

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THE daughter of a much-loved Harlow resident has made an appeal for urgent care for her cancer-stricken mother.

Potter Street resident Jane Chivrall has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to other major organs as well as her spine.

She was diagnosed at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) and is currently still there.

Her daughter, Katie has detailed what has happened since she Jane has fallen ill.

Katie said: “On Monday 21st September. I took her in the afternoon to PAH A&E as she’d been doubled over in pain with pins and needles travelling down both arms.

She was there for several hours & given a chest x ray. The result of the x ray showed a shadow on her right lung.

A nurse spoke to mum and said that it looked like “something serious.”

There was also fluid around the lung which would need draining. Mum was discharged later that evening after being prescribed a two- week course of steroids. 

On Thursday she returned to PAH at 8:30am for a consultation and to have the fluid drained from around her lung.

The doctor confirmed she had cancer and the results of her blood work showed low potassium levels so she was put on a drip afterwards.

The fluid around the lung was not drained.

I collected her from hospital just after 4pm. 

“On Friday, she returned again for a CT scan which was booked for 2:30pm.

“At 6pm she was still waiting. At 8pm I received a text message from my brother to say that the scan showed the cancer was in her lung and spine. 

My mum, on her own, in the corridor of the hospital was given devastating, life changing news about her health.

“She wasn’t offered any support, information or even a seat.

All she was asked was if she had transport home, to which she answered “Yes” and the doctor then left her on her own without as much as a Macmillan leaflet to read….

On Sunday 27th at 9pm my father rang my boyfriend, shouting that mum was having a fit.

I called an ambulance and my boyfriend rushed to my parents house. As a result of “catastrophically low” electrolytes mum had had a huge seizure and was rushed by ambulance back to PAH.

She spent two days in A&E because there wasn’t a bed for her in the respiratory ward, she was eventually moved to the cardiology ward on Tuesday. 

Since Sunday 27th I have been constantly on the phone with various different doctors and nurses trying to find out what’s happening with mums care.

“I feel that there has been NO CARE and NO TREATMENT for her cancer diagnosis at all since she was admitted a week ago.

We’ve been told every day that the fluids going to get drained, a biopsy taken, a medical team review – she hasn’t even seen an oncologist yet!

I don’t know what to do next.

Mums always an advocate for what’s right and a voice for those who are wronged and I feel like for such an amazing person the treatment of my mum at Princess Alexandra hospital has been nothing short of disgustingly catastrophic/

I believe they have missed their two week national guideline of cancer patient care.

We have raised formal complaints with PAH Patient Care Team, made numerous complaints to doctors, nurses, and ward nurses.

“Mum’s mental health is hugely impacted.

“She’s in the wrong ward, receiving no specialist care, in a room in her own, ill, alone and scared – she needs to be moved out of that hospital NOW but I’ve been told if she leaves she will forfeit her bed and won’t receive any treatment at all.”

Sharon McNally, director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust said: “We are extremely sorry to hear about Ms Chivrall’s concerns regarding the care of her mother at our hospital.

“We are unable to comment on individual cases, however, we would encourage Ms Chivrall to contact our patient experience team on 01279 827211 or [email protected] for further support.”

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Comments

Chris Street

I am So sorry for you, I had a bad experience in PAH in June my mum was treated badly, the guilt i felt at not being able to help will stay with me for ever. Your mum is in hospital not a prison, they have a right to help her. They have less patients than ever, no excuse. Wishing your mum all the love and care in the world xx

Liz A Telfer

I’m so sad to read this.ive know Jane all my life.shes such a wonderful person always there for anyone who needs help . I hope she finally received the treatment she deserves.

I’m not surprised by what she’s been through at PAH just disappointed .sending her and her family all best wishes and love xx

Clare

It never ceases to amaze me PAH never learn from mistakes they make.It has definately let down you’re mum and I wish her the best.shes worked hard for community most of her life and deserves much better treatment.I just hope she gets it and PAH step up to the mark after reading this