Husband's crusade for in‑person doctor visits gains support
Laura Barlow passed away from cancer a year ago following a misdiagnosis of endometriosis, leaving behind three children. Her husband is now advocating 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 provided a diagnosis over the phone and prescribed only painkillers.
In October 2023, Laura began experiencing severe abdominal pain. Despite visiting the hospital and receiving morphine, doctors failed to identify the true cause of her symptoms. Shortly thereafter, she passed away.
A year after this tragedy, Laura's husband, Michael, still fights for changes in the healthcare system. He has submitted a petition with over 130,000 signatures, calling for mandatory in-person visits to family doctors.
Michael advocates for better healthcare and diagnostics that rely not solely on teleconsultations. He emphasizes that earlier tests might have afforded them more time together.
He expresses frustration, reflecting on whether earlier detection might have given them more time. While acknowledging it wouldn't have necessarily prevented her death, 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 spokesperson for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust expressed condolences to the family, emphasizing that they cannot comment on individual cases but are ready to talk to Laura's family if necessary.
