Call for change: Husband's plea for end to telemedicine diagnoses
Laura Barlow passed away from cancer a year ago following a misdiagnosis of endometriosis. She left behind three children. Now her husband calls for an end to telephone medical consultations, reports the "Daily Mail."
Laura Barlow, a 33-year-old mother of three, died from cancer after being misdiagnosed with endometriosis.
Initially, 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 given morphine, doctors did not identify the true cause of her symptoms. Shortly after, she passed away.
A year after this tragedy, Laura’s husband, Michael, continues to advocate for changes in the healthcare system. He submitted a petition with over 130,000 signatures, demanding mandatory in-person visits to family doctors.
Michael is campaigning for better healthcare and diagnostics that don't end with a teleconsultation. He emphasizes that earlier tests could have given them more time together.
Expressing his frustration, he reflects on whether an earlier diagnosis could have afforded them more time together. While acknowledging that her passing might have been inevitable, he wonders if they could have shared an additional six months.
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 last moments with her family.
A United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust spokesperson expressed condolences to the family, emphasizing that they cannot comment on individual cases but are ready to talk to Laura's family if necessary.
