Man Misdiagnosed with Cancer Seeks Compensation from Hospital

What would you do if you were told that you had a terminal illness, and that you have a few months to live? Wouldn't you try to live to the fullest? Perhaps most would try to be in touch with family and friends and spend a great deal of quality and loving moments with them. Others would try to finish some unfinished business. Like to be able to talk and settle differences with a long lost friend. Or try to find the person and say that this is your last chance to tell her that you really loved her. Or to grant forgiveness to someone who has been wanting it for so many years.

Aside from these very meaningful acts, other people who would be told that they have a few months to live would most likely want to enjoy the rest of their life seeing the places that they've been longing to see. They would travel and enjoy time in appreciating the many wonderful locations that they could possible visit. Some would buy a few items that perhaps they still want to enjoy. People who want to dine would spend going to many fine dining venues.

Others might start to give away their possessions thinking that it is better for them to pick the people who they would want to give their belongings. Some might go to family and friends, while other things might go to charitable institutions.

This is what happened to John Brandrick of London. Last year, he was told that he had terminal pancreatic cancer. They said that he had a few months to live. The doctors were very certain about the diagnosis, according to him, and they advised him to live, go out and enjoy himself.

The 62-year-old man did what he was told. He decided to spend his remaining time in style. He dined in fancy restaurants, got booked at luxurious hotels and went on a holiday spree. He quit his job and spent all of his savings on whatever he wished.

After he quit his job, he sold many of his possessions, and gave away the rest. He stopped paying his mortgage.

But now, a year later, the doctors at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in southwest England told me that they are revising their diagnosis. He was just suffering from pancreatitis, a non-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.

Naturally, the man feels elated that he is not dying. He said, "I am really pleased that I've got a second chance in life".

But what would happen to him now that all he has left is a black suit, white shirt and red tie that he had planned to be buried in? He is not asking for compensation from the hospital. He claimed that "if you haven't got no money after all this, which is my fault-- I spent it all --they should pay something back."

The Royal Cornwall Hospital asserts that there was "no clear evidence of negligence" on its part. Part of the hospital's official statement said that they sympathize with Mr Brandrick's position, but they feel that "the clinical review of his case has not revealed that any different diagnosis would have been made at the time based on the same evidence."

Brandrick hopes to get compensated. If he doesn't, he said he is considering to sell his house or sue the hospital that misdiagnosed him.