EXCLUSIVE: Daughter's complaint over hospital's treatment of dying dad
A DEVASTATED daughter has slammed health bosses after her dad waited four months for treatment - only to be told there was nothing doctors could do.
Grandad-of-four Robert Flemming, 63, from Gossops Green, was diagnosed with lung cancer on April 28 at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.
Fuming daughter Olivia, 28, from Ifield said: "Four months ago my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. He still hasn't received any treatment.
"In April doctors said they would look at operating on the tumour.
But after tests they found he was not strong enough for the operation because he had suffered two heart attacks in the past.
"They did say he would be able to have radical radiotherapy. He then waited for four weeks for his appointment to come through and then four weeks after that he got a call completely out of the blue, which I think should have been face to face, they told him that he had fluid on the lungs and they were not prepared to start him on treatment."
And heartbroken Olivia says her dad has been left devastated at the news.
She added: "I'm more than angry and it has disgusted me. He is still young and he has always been healthy.
"To ring up out of the blue, when he was thinking everything was going to be ok.
"And to be told that he will die and there is nothing they can do, is horrifying. It's as if they know he has no chance and have given up on him.
"He's devastated and now he's looking at passing away. I'm so upset. I'm losing my Dad."
A spokeswoman for Surrey and Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust said: "On Monday August 4, Mr Fleming's daughter contacted the hospital to raise her concerns about his care and treatment.
"We believe Mr Flemming received appropriate care and feel it would not be helpful to comment further in the media out of respect for Mr Flemming's privacy and dignity.
"It is paramount to us that our patients receive high quality care and treatment which includes advice, information and support from a specialist team as well as linking up with local organisations that provide support in the community.
"We are currently in discussions with Mr Flemming about his care and treatment and are offering further advice and support as necessary."
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Friday 10 February 2012
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