Man To Take Legal Action Over Cancer 'Blunder'

A man has alleged that a hospital needlessly removed his healthy lung after being misdiagnosed with cancer.

Laurence Ball, 58, of Shetland, had surgery at Aberdeen Royal infirmary to remove a tumour on his lung.

However, Mr Ball, was later told that there had never been cancer in the organ and he is now planning to take legal action.

NHS Grampian says the case is now in the hands of the Central Legal Office.

In May 2005, Mr Ball suffered a chest infection and was sent for tests at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

He was told he had cancer in his left lung and then underwent surgery three months later to have a tumour removed.

After the operation, Mr Ball was told he did not need chemotherapy as there had never been cancer in his lung in the first place.

Mr Ball's solicitor has been told by NHS Grampian that an investigation found no "individual blame, incompetence or negligence".

Mr Ball told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme that following the news of his procedure he was "traumatised and in deep shock".

He said he had "lost everything", his job as a firefighter, his health and has had "years of a happy retirement stolen from me".

"I was given a misdiagnosis, I've lost my lung and I lost my job."

Mr Ball added that "at the very least", an "explanation" should be given and that he should receive "financial compensation" for loss of earnings.

"We are very disappointed that we have received no explanation, apology or compensation for all my wife and I have been through," he said.

An NHS Grampian spokesman said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case.

(DS)