Woman Advocates for 'Louise's Law' After Mother's Misdiagnosis
Chloe Hickman seeks legislative change following her mother's death from cancer misdiagnosed as benign.
Chloe Hickman, a 24-year-old resident of Ipswich, Suffolk, has initiated a petition on Change.org advocating for a new law, referred to as 'Louise's Law', in hopes of reforming diagnostic procedures within the National Health Service (NHS).
The legislation aims to mandate that benign test results receive a second opinion from a specialist.
Currently, while seeking a second opinion for patients is a right, it lacks legal enforcement, as highlighted by The Patients Association, which advocates for enhancements in health and social care.
Miss Hickman's mother, Louise Hickman, succumbed to ovarian cancer in June 2024 after a five-year battle.
In 2019, a tumor was identified at Ipswich Hospital, categorized as a benign cyst.
Regrettably, it was later diagnosed as malignant in April 2022. During her treatment, which included chemotherapy and surgery to remove significant fluid-filled sacs, it was revealed that the cancer’s recurrence was linked to the 2019 diagnosis.
Expressing her grief and concern, Chloe Hickman asserted, 'She could have been offered chemotherapy, the surgery could have been brought forward, and she might still be here,' emphasizing the deep emotional toll of her mother's experience.
She believes the establishment of such legislation could help prevent similar situations for others who face misdiagnoses.
In February 2024, Louise Hickman was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, leading to a range of treatments, including extensive surgeries.
Initially in remission, the cancer reappeared in March 2024, with doctors asserting that the malignancy was related to the original diagnosis.
Chloe Hickman criticized the existing support structure for those who experience misdiagnoses, stating, 'It just seems to be a fact of life, and it shouldn’t be like that.' Her petition has gained traction, amassing over 40,000 signatures, which she attributes to the public's recognition of the need for change in diagnostic procedures.
The interim chief medical officer at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged the situation, expressing condolences and confirming a patient safety investigation was initiated following the delay in Louise Hickman's cancer diagnosis.
The findings of this investigation have been communicated to the family, with commitments to enhance processes based on lessons learned from her care.
In a separate legislative development, Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, is planning to introduce an emergency bill aimed at overriding new sentencing guidelines in England and Wales, which could lead to disparities in sentencing based on age, sex, and ethnicity.
The guidelines, scheduled to take effect soon, are intended to reduce bias and reoffending.
However, they have faced criticism from various political figures and stakeholders who have termed them as implementing 'two-tier justice.'
Mahmood's proposed legislation would instruct judges to disregard the Sentencing Council's guidance.
The justice secretary characterized the council’s persistence in maintaining the guidelines as 'unacceptable.' Furthermore, she has directed a review to explore the powers of the Sentencing Council and is contemplating more comprehensive reforms to strengthen parliamentary oversight over its recommendations.
The legislation aims to mandate that benign test results receive a second opinion from a specialist.
Currently, while seeking a second opinion for patients is a right, it lacks legal enforcement, as highlighted by The Patients Association, which advocates for enhancements in health and social care.
Miss Hickman's mother, Louise Hickman, succumbed to ovarian cancer in June 2024 after a five-year battle.
In 2019, a tumor was identified at Ipswich Hospital, categorized as a benign cyst.
Regrettably, it was later diagnosed as malignant in April 2022. During her treatment, which included chemotherapy and surgery to remove significant fluid-filled sacs, it was revealed that the cancer’s recurrence was linked to the 2019 diagnosis.
Expressing her grief and concern, Chloe Hickman asserted, 'She could have been offered chemotherapy, the surgery could have been brought forward, and she might still be here,' emphasizing the deep emotional toll of her mother's experience.
She believes the establishment of such legislation could help prevent similar situations for others who face misdiagnoses.
In February 2024, Louise Hickman was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, leading to a range of treatments, including extensive surgeries.
Initially in remission, the cancer reappeared in March 2024, with doctors asserting that the malignancy was related to the original diagnosis.
Chloe Hickman criticized the existing support structure for those who experience misdiagnoses, stating, 'It just seems to be a fact of life, and it shouldn’t be like that.' Her petition has gained traction, amassing over 40,000 signatures, which she attributes to the public's recognition of the need for change in diagnostic procedures.
The interim chief medical officer at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged the situation, expressing condolences and confirming a patient safety investigation was initiated following the delay in Louise Hickman's cancer diagnosis.
The findings of this investigation have been communicated to the family, with commitments to enhance processes based on lessons learned from her care.
In a separate legislative development, Shabana Mahmood, the justice secretary, is planning to introduce an emergency bill aimed at overriding new sentencing guidelines in England and Wales, which could lead to disparities in sentencing based on age, sex, and ethnicity.
The guidelines, scheduled to take effect soon, are intended to reduce bias and reoffending.
However, they have faced criticism from various political figures and stakeholders who have termed them as implementing 'two-tier justice.'
Mahmood's proposed legislation would instruct judges to disregard the Sentencing Council's guidance.
The justice secretary characterized the council’s persistence in maintaining the guidelines as 'unacceptable.' Furthermore, she has directed a review to explore the powers of the Sentencing Council and is contemplating more comprehensive reforms to strengthen parliamentary oversight over its recommendations.
