Port Vale fans to be thrown free fruit in NHS sponsorship deal
'We want answers over Niamh's tumour'
THE family of an 11-year-old girl has asked the General Medical Council to investigate why doctors failed to diagnose her brain tumour for four months.
Chris and Jennifer Bailey, from Wolstanton, have been told their daughter Niamh nearly went blind because of the failure to pick it up sooner.
-
'LET DOWN': Niamh Bailey was diagnosed with a brain tumour four months after first visiting her doctors.
The former Bradwell Primary School pupil developed symptoms in October 2008, but wasn't diagnosed until January 14 when her parents pressed for a second opinion.
The tumour, which was 32mm by 25mm, was pressing on her optical nerve and she had to start chemotherapy immediately to preserve her eyesight.
Now the Baileys have lodged a formal complaint with the General Medical Council (GMC), which registers doctors to practice medicine.
They want to know why the tumour was not discovered despite trips to her GP, a consultation with a hospital paediatrician and blood tests.
Mrs Bailey, pictured, aged 41, of Dimsdale Parade West, said: "Niamh was referred to a paediatrician on December 5, 2008 after her school nurse raised concerns about her weight and height.
"We told him about her excessive drinking, complete loss of appetite, lack of growth, weight loss and changes in her personality.
"We also told him Niamh had experienced extreme pains in her head and violent vomiting during the night and was admitted to the accident and emergency department in early October.
"He said she was just small in stature. His advice was to limit her drinking before meal times and to eat together as a family to improve her appetite."
The Baileys returned to their doctor in early January when they were told she was suffering from depression. They pressed to see another GP who referred her to the Cheethams ward at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire where she was diagnosed immediately.
A spokesman for University Hospital said: "We are looking at the records of Niamh's care in the hospital.
"This will form part of a joint investigation with NHS North Staffordshire, who will be looking at the care provided within Primary Care.
"It is not appropriate to pre-judge that review, but it is important to understand that brain tumours in children are very rare and the initial symptoms are common in many other conditions."
Paul Carbury, chief executive of Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, the largest brain tumour charity in the UK, said Niamh's situation reflected a nationwide problem.
More health stories:
'We're so proud of our little survivor'
14 Comments
View all
by jennifer, newcastle
Saturday, August 22 2009, 8:44AM
“To Su, thank you for your kind wishes of support, for Niamh and us, it means so much. Jenny,Chris, Charlotte and Niamh XX”
by jennny, Newcastle
Saturday, August 22 2009, 8:38AM
“To Mary and family, we really wish Jake well and hope and pray his treatment has been a success. Niamh also has diabeties insipidus and other hormone deficiences and will have to have medication for life. I'm sure you feel as angry and as let down as we do. People keep telling us tumors are uncommon but we keep hearing stories like Jake's, and the symptoms being missed and find it hard to belive that it keeps happening over and over again. The weeks waiting for the results of the scan are hard, you wish them away because you just want to know, but when the day comes you wish you were a million miles away, be strong and stay positive and our family wishes and prays Jake hears good news soon. Bailey family.”
by Christine, Cheadle, Staffs
Friday, August 21 2009, 9:29PM
“Niamh, Charlotte, Jenn and Chris,
You have all been so brave you have my love and prayers every day that god brings. Nana Bingo would be so proud. Love always Chris and Alan”
by Mary and family, stoke on trent
Friday, August 21 2009, 4:54PM
“I read your story last night and reading it was just like reminded of my brother jake. Jake has bin ill for over 12months with exactly the same symptoms as Niahm. After countless trips to the norths staff hospital jake was diagnosed wityh depression and referred to the mental health team, if it wasnt for my mums persistance Jake would not have been diagnosed with the two germanoma tumas which has left him with diabities insipidus for the rest of his life. Mum and Jake have just spent five weeks in Alder hay Hospital in Liverpool having intence radio therapy to the brain and the spine. Jake is back at home now, got to wait three months for a brain scan to see if the treatment has been sucessful, hope everything goes ok with your daughter and we are thinking of you in what we know is a very difficult time, best wishes, Mary Mellor and family from Forsbrook”
by su lewis, stoke
Friday, August 21 2009, 9:18AM
“Niamh, i read your story last night and i was so touched at your strength and everything you've been through. I'm glad your tumour is shrinking now and i wish you and your family all the very best in the future.
I hope you can find ways to get as much publicity as possible because these so-called 'professionals' need to start taking their patients seriously and listening to them and their anxious parents.
Good luck!!!x”
by jennifer, newcastle
Thursday, August 20 2009, 10:04PM
“Thank you Shireen, for all the times you visited me and Mum and Dad in Nottingham we couldn't of got through without you and Deb. We love you very much. Thank you Niamh. xx”
by Shireen, newcastle
Thursday, August 20 2009, 9:38PM
“Niamh, you are an extremely special and brave little girl, who we love so very much. You have been so brave and strong throughout your treatment and now we see your beautiful smile again! You are so very lucky to have such a wonderful family and friends who have been by your side, love to you all, Shireen x”
by christopher bailey, Newcastle staffs
Thursday, August 20 2009, 8:40PM
“Niamh, Charlotte, Jennifer and myself really appreciate the comments which add to the support from the Bradwell community, family, friends, Bradwell County Primary School, not of course forgetting the excellent care and treament recieved from Professor Grundy and his team in Nottingham Queens hospital and the ongowing care at Ward 110 north staffs by Dr Humphries and her team. Thank you to you all for your support and helping us through this very difficult and emotional time.”
by Niamh, Newcastle
Thursday, August 20 2009, 8:29PM
“Thank you for all your lovely words of support, it means alot to me. To Cav & Di a special thankyou to you for visiting me in Nottingham and for being there for my Mum and Dad, I love you very much too. X X”
by melanie, stoke
Thursday, August 20 2009, 8:05PM
“she certainly is a brave little girl. If only I was as brave as her when the doctors found mine. my parents went through exactly the same thing when I was a little girl.”