A WOMAN whose hopes of a high-flying career were dashed by cancer is suing a health board for £5million, claiming doctors failed to detect the disease.
Helen McGlone, 30, who has a PhD in particle physics, had to undergo a hysterectomy in 2008 after the “invasive” cancer of the cervix was discovered. She said she was forced to take six months off work, leaving her unable to pursue a career change as an investment bankers. McGlone, from Falkirk, has raised a civil action against Greater Glasgow Health Board, blaming them for wrongly interpreting smear tests.Yesterday, she told the Court of Session in Edinburgh that a “very minor” kitchen accident led to the truth.She had undertaken research at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, in Geneva, Switzerland, after gaining a first-class honours degree in physics and applied maths at Glasgow University.
Helen McGlone, 30, who has a PhD in particle physics, had to undergo a hysterectomy in 2008 after the “invasive” cancer of the cervix was discovered. She said she was forced to take six months off work, leaving her unable to pursue a career change as an investment bankers. McGlone, from Falkirk, has raised a civil action against Greater Glasgow Health Board, blaming them for wrongly interpreting smear tests.Yesterday, she told the Court of Session in Edinburgh that a “very minor” kitchen accident led to the truth.She had undertaken research at CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, in Geneva, Switzerland, after gaining a first-class honours degree in physics and applied maths at Glasgow University.
In late 2007, she cut her hand and the wound was stitched at the local hospital. However, after realising that she had private health insurance, Ms McGlone decided to go for a check-up.In January 2008, her doctor decided to carry out a smear test, although she had undergone one two years previously, and that showed up the cancer.Ms McGlone had attended Glasgow’s Sandyford Clinic in May 2005 and a smear test carried out the following December was initially reported as “negative”, but an audit later decided the test was “inadequate” rather than negative and a repeat test was recommended.
In court papers, Ms McGlone’s legal team say the result should have been seen as “abnormal”, which would have cleared the way for further investigations.Another test in March 2006 was said to be “negative”, but it is said this was also a wrong interpretation. Ms McGlone claims these smear tests showed “pre-invasive” cancer which would have needed less serious treatment. However, Greater Glasgow Health Board insists none of its staff was negligent and says that Ms McGlone’s symptoms were unusual for a patient with pre-invasive cancer.They further claim that any changes which could have been detected by the December 2005 smear were “borderline” and the test had “no impact, adverse or otherwise” on her treatment.Ms McGlone says the hysterectomy in May 2008 left her incapable of work and she took six months’ leave of absence.
In court papers, Ms McGlone’s legal team say the result should have been seen as “abnormal”, which would have cleared the way for further investigations.Another test in March 2006 was said to be “negative”, but it is said this was also a wrong interpretation. Ms McGlone claims these smear tests showed “pre-invasive” cancer which would have needed less serious treatment. However, Greater Glasgow Health Board insists none of its staff was negligent and says that Ms McGlone’s symptoms were unusual for a patient with pre-invasive cancer.They further claim that any changes which could have been detected by the December 2005 smear were “borderline” and the test had “no impact, adverse or otherwise” on her treatment.Ms McGlone says the hysterectomy in May 2008 left her incapable of work and she took six months’ leave of absence.
She says her qualifications and research would have enabled her to work in banking, earning a substantial salary and bonuses. But she is now considering a degree to help her work with children’s charities.Ms McGlone says compensation should include re-training and the cost of the private medical treatment she has undergone, including fertility treatment at a private clinic in the USA. The hearing continues.
**Published today in "The Scottish Express"
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