Husband demands end to telehealth after wife's tragic misdiagnosis
Laura Barlow died from cancer a year ago following a misdiagnosis of endometriosis. She left behind three children, and now her husband is calling for an end to telephone medical consultations, reports the "Daily Mail."
Laura Barlow, a 33-year-old mother of three, passed away from cancer after initially being misdiagnosed with endometriosis.
Her family doctor in Lincolnshire diagnosed her over the phone and prescribed only painkillers.
In October 2023, Laura began experiencing severe abdominal pain. Despite visits to the hospital, where she was administered morphine, doctors did not identify the true cause of her symptoms. She passed away shortly after.
A year after this tragedy, Laura’s husband, Michael, continues campaigning for changes in the healthcare system. He submitted a petition with over 130,000 signatures, calling for mandatory in-person visits to family doctors.
Michael fights for better healthcare and diagnostics that do not conclude with a teleconsultation. He emphasises that earlier tests could have given them more time together.
He expressed frustration over the possibility that earlier detection might have given them more time together. While acknowledging it may not have changed the outcome, he wonders if they could have had an additional six months to share.
Laura died in her husband's arms, leaving behind three children: Bella-Mia, Summer-Akya, and Bonnie-Rae. Michael recalls that doctors advised her to spend her final moments with her family.
A spokesperson for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust expressed condolences to the family, emphasising that the trust cannot comment on individual cases but is prepared to talk to Laura's family if necessary.
