MY NECK WAS BROKEN – AND THEY JUST TOLD ME TO TAKE PAINKILLERS

WHEN Michael Nicholson called his local Somerset GP practice in October to request an urgent appointment, he was given a choice: wait a week to see the GP or see a physician associate (PA) the next morning.

The 72-year-old retired gardener, who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer two years ago, was experiencing extreme pain in his neck that left him unable to move.

‘Michael was desperate for help, so he saw the PA,’ says his wife Doreen, 76, a retired civil servant.

But the PA did not send Michael for a scan to check for any damage, even though his medical record showed that his cancer had spread to his bones, increasing the chance of breakages. ‘She just told him that it was a muscular problem and he should try taking more painkillers,’ says Doreen. ‘When Michael questioned this, she said she would check with the doctor.

‘A few minutes later she came back and said the doctor had agreed.

‘We thought it was strange because the doctor hadn’t seen Michael, so how could he confirm the diagnosis?’

Nevertheless, Doreen purchased more painkillers for Michael, as well as turmeric oil, a heat wrap, a groove pillow and a brace to try to help ease the discomfort. However, nothing helped.

‘A week later he was screaming in pain,’ says

Doreen. ‘I called 999 and an ambulance took him to A&E. They carried out a scan which revealed he had a broken bone in his neck.’

Michael will now need intensive surgery to fit a metal rod and plate into his back. It is likely that this will permanently limit his head movement.

‘It seems absolutely crazy that this PA didn’t send Michael for a scan, given that he has cancer in his bones,’ says Doreen. ‘If the problem had been picked up sooner then it’s possible the damage would not have been so severe and he could’ve avoided lifechanging surgery.

‘I worry about all the people who are now regularly seen by PAs. It doesn’t seem safe.’