Photo: Jose Carlos Cerdeno Martinez/Getty Images
Numerous patients are collectively on channeling “You about to lose your job!” vibes following a major snafu caused by a medical practice in Doncaster, England.
According to BBC News, the situation arose back on Dec. 23 after the Askern Medical Practice sent out a mass text to patients.
However, rather than spreading holiday cheer, the message sparked fear and pain in recipients, as they were told that they had been diagnosed with “aggressive lung cancer.” It was also noted that the cancer had metastasized, meaning that the condition had spread out from the initial site.
Additionally, the message instructed recipients to complete a DS1500 form, which is “used for claiming benefits under the special rules for terminal illness,” according to the Marie Curie charity.
“[We are asking] for you do a DS1500 for the above patient. Diagnosis – Aggressive lung cancer with metastases. Thanks.”
Shortly thereafter, a follow-up text was sent in an attempt to remedy the situation.
“Please accept our sincere apologies for the previous text message sent. This was sent in error. Our message to you should have read, ‘We wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
Despite the medical practice issuing a correction, the damage was already done, as numerous people were in the throes of coming to terms with the diagnosis before learning that it was “sent in error.” In fact, BBC News reports that the healthcare center has nearly 8,000 patients.
Sarah Hargreaves was one such patient, and she was awaiting test results when she received the devastating text.
“I felt sick to my teeth and broke down. I had just had a mole removed and was awaiting a result from a biopsy and I had been to hospital as my smear test came back abnormal, so yes, I was very worried.”
Sarah added that she immediately attempted to contact the medical center, though she had trouble getting ahold of an employee.
Carl Chegwin and his mother were two other patients who received the message, which was described as being “enough to break someone.”
“The first thing I thought was, ‘is this some kind of sick joke?…It completely took me by surprise.”
Carl continued, pointing out the absurdity of the entire situation.
“They’ve just told people a few days before Christmas they’ve got terminal lung cancer. They can’t do that.”
He also pointed out larger privacy concerns by noting, “If it’s one of their admins that’s sent out a mass text, I wouldn’t be trusting them to empty the bins.”
There are no further updates on the situation at this time.
