Watchdog finds failings in prostate cancer treatment in North Wales going back almost a decade.
Emlyn Williams had to wait almost four times longer than he should have done to begin cancer treatment Delays in treating a patient with an aggressive form of prostate cancer more than likely contributed to his disease advancing, a health watchdog has said.
Emlyn Williams should have begun treatment within 62 days of being diagnosed but had to wait 225 for a specialist PET scan before he could start. He told the BBC there seemed to be "no urgency" to treat him at the time. Michelle Morris, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, said the delay had created an "enduring injustice for him and his family". The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board apologised for the "unacceptable delays" and said it planned to create a centre of excellence for prostate tests in North Wales.In her latest report, Morris said men with prostate cancer had been failed by the NHS in North Wales for almost a decade.Morris wrote: "On the balance of probabilities, these delays more likely than not contributed to cancer being more advanced. The uncertainty this creates will sadly be an enduring injustice for and his family." The 72-year-old, from Amlwch on Anglesey, had a routine blood test for the disease in 2023 and was told in early 2024 it was an aggressive form. The ombudsman's report said he should have had a PSMA PET scan - an advanced imaging test that identifies cancer cells - within 62 days of his diagnosis. When he finally had one in May 2024, it confirmed the cancer had already spread to his bones and lymph nodes."It was obvious there was a finite window of time to sort it," Williams said. "You feel very exposed when you get a diagnosis of cancer and you think you can rely on the doctors and the specialists.Michelle Morris, the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, said there had been failings in prostate cancer treatment going back almost a decade Williams' case is now the fourth report by the ombudsman in nine years raising concerns about prostate cancer treatment in the region."In previous reports, we urged the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to fully commit to change and improvement so that men would not need to bring similar concerns to my office again. "Previous recommendations have not been fully complied with, and the health board's own improvement plan - agreed with the Royal College of Surgeons - has not been completed.Carol Shillabeer, the health board's CEO, said: "We apologise for the unacceptable delays in this patient's diagnostics and treatment and fully accept the ombudsman's findings in this case."We have already developed a business case to transform our services and this is now being considered by Welsh Government. "Should we be successful, it would start the process of creating a centre of excellence, with two gamma cameras and one of only three static PET-CT scanners in Wales."'I didn't know I was at high prostate cancer risk'Elderly woman 'dies alone in A&E corridor in full view of patients' A woman visiting the hospital with her partner says she saw the patient in her final moments and alerted staff.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hochul appoints claims court judge to state judicial conduct watchdogDavid Fried, who’s served as a judge on the state’s Court of Claims and as an acting justice of the Rockland County Supreme Court since 2023, will take a seat
Read more »
Army general involved in Ukraine support improperly handled classified intelligence, watchdog concludesA now-retired Army leader who led the military's effort to support Ukraine improperly protected classified intelligence, the DOD OIG found.
Read more »
Florida tops list of states where hospitals charge highest markups over Medicare: WatchdogHospital Watch found that hospitals nationwide charge patients with employer-provided insurance an average of 269% more than Medicare rates.
Read more »
NY lawmakers can't hide their bills' cost, thanks to new watchdog siteToday's Video Headlines: 03/16/2026
Read more »
Trump Is Dismantling US Democracy at a Speed 'Unprecedented in Modern History': WatchdogBrad Reed is a staff writer for Common Dreams.
Read more »
Army general left classified maps of Ukraine war on train, watchdog findsThe Defense Department inspector general found Major General Antonio Aguto in separate incidents improperly handled classified documents and engaged in the 'overindulgence of alcohol.'
Read more »