A mum described her 34-year-old son as her “life” following his death six months after first reporting symptoms which turned out to be cancer.
Scott Fowler, who was non-verbal and had learning difficulties, was taken to see his GP by his mum Julie on December 28 in 2023. Julie had noticed a swelling around one of Scott’s testicles but as Scott had no other suspicious symptoms, such as pain or losing weight, the GP Dr Jaskiran Bedi advised a ‘conservative’ approach.
In April and May the following year Scott and his mum returned to the surgery where they saw Dr Daniel Fernandes on two occasions. Scott had been suffering from a cough and he was prescribed antibiotics.
On June 6 last year Scott and Julie went back to the doctors again. Dr Rose was so concerned that Scott had been suffering from a cough for nine weeks that she sent him to A&E.
Scott was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was diagnosed with aspirational pneumonia. A chest x-ray revealed a suspicious mass and a CT scan confirmed he had cancer in his left testicle.
Although testicular cancer is curable Scott’s respiratory issues meant he wasn’t well enough to be transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital for treatment and he died in hospital on June 16.
An inquest held in November heard there were concerns over whether or not Scott should have been transferred to Preston for chemotherapy. Professton Alison Birtle, the lead oncologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said that, had he been transferred and well enough for treatment, there was a “75 per cent or greater” chance of survival from the cancer.
Assistant Coroner Louise Rae deferred returning a conclusion to allow her to fully consider the evidence regarding Scott’s possible transfer to Preston. The hearing resumed today (Thursday January 9) at Blackpool Town Hall.
“The evidence I heard and have considered is that Scott wasn’t well enough for chemotherapy,” the coroner said.
“He was very unwell with aspirational pneumonia which was life-threatening on its own. I am grateful to Professor Birtle for providing a statement to the court but she was not able to tell me if Scott had been transferred treatment would have commenced.
“I can’t make a finding that had Scott commenced chemotherapy that he would have survived.”
The inquest conclusion heard that when Scott’s cancer was discovered he was “very unwell, unresponsive, drowsy, on oxygen and not eating”.
Scott’s mum Julie had also said she didn’t want him to be moved. The coroner said she was unable to further consider if it would have been in Scott’s best interests to transfer him given that he was medically unfit.
The coroner returned a conclusion of natural causes and, referring to what Julie had said about Scott, added: “His mum said he was unique and he was her life.
“It was very clear how much dedication and care was provided to Scott during his life and the family are devastated by his loss.”
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