A Newcastle-based medical negligence expert is hoping to raise awareness of the importance of accurate cervical screening after securing a settlement against Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which admitted liability for repeatedly failing to act on abnormal smear test results.
The case concerned a woman in her mid-40s, a mother of two, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2015 despite being a regular participant in the NHS cervical screening programme.
Investigations revealed that smear tests carried out in 2008, 2009 and 2010 were wrongly reported as normal — missing three separate opportunities to identify and treat pre-cancerous changes at an early stage.
By the time her cancer was detected, it had become invasive and required radical surgery. Though she is now cancer-free, she has developed other serious conditions which continue to affect her mobility, her ability to work, and her capacity to care for her family and enjoy everyday life.
After her diagnosis, she instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate her care. The Trust’s own audit later confirmed that borderline abnormalities had been visible in earlier smear tests but were not acted on.
Court proceedings were issued and, in September 2025, the Trust admitted its failings and agreed an out-of-court settlement of £850,000.
The settlement will provide financial security, cover her ongoing care and assistance needs, and compensate for the significant impact on her health, quality of life, and earning capacity.
Fiona Belgian, expert medical negligence expert at Thompsons Solicitors’ Newcastle office, said: “Routine screening is vitally important but, sadly, this case highlights the serious and lasting impact that can result from failures in basic screening and reporting procedures. Our client’s life has been permanently affected by errors in care that should not have occurred.
“Our client attended every smear test as she should, but opportunities were missed on three occasions — and by the time her cancer was detected, it required radical treatment.
“While she is thankfully now cancer-free, she continues to live with lasting conditions that affect her daily life. Her courage in sharing her story shows how vital it is for women to continue attending routine checks and to seek advice if something doesn’t feel right.
“I hope this case encourages more awareness around screening and reassures others that early legal advice can provide both accountability and practical support if things do go wrong.”
The case highlights not only the importance of accurate screening and patient trust in the system, but also the role legal support can play in securing justice, financial stability, and access to future care.
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