Man with deadly Hep C virus not told after testing positive 20 years ago
A man says his GP failed to tell him he had a potentially deadly virus - over 20 years after he tested positive.
Frank Jamieson has been left feeling suicidal following years of deteriorating health, the cause of which was a mystery until recently.
In October the 58-year-old was told that he had hepatitis C and that it was likely he'd had the virus for 40 years as a result of an operation in 1984.
However, Frank later discovered that his GP surgery, Ardgowan Medical Practice, knew he'd tested positive for the virus back in 2002 - results he says were confirmed in January of the following year.
Frank, from Greenock, said that after making a complaint to the practice, he was told that his test results were never passed on to him because he didn't call to get them.
Caught up in the long-running contaminated blood scandal, Frank says he wants to speak out now in case there are others in Inverclyde in the same position.
He was finally told the news of his positive 'hep C' test last October after years of health problems. Now he is determined to see his GP surgery held accountable. He said: "It has ruined my life. I have suffered from depression for a long time and have lost everything.
"My health was so bad, and I had no idea why. It turned out they were all symptoms of hep C."
Frank is now under the care of the SAMH charity (Scottish Action for Mental Health) as well as the NHS's local community mental health team.
"I have been suicidal," he said. "Right now, I don't want to be here.
"I want justice. I want to be heard, and I want Ardgowan Medical Practice to take responsibility for what happened.
"The surgery had my results but they never passed them on. But after all those years of going to the doctor, and that information being on my file, they are blaming me."
The hepatitis C virus can cause chronic liver disease, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer or liver failure if untreated.
Fortunately Frank, who worked as an engineer until ill health forced him to give up work, is now free of hep C after undergoing anti-viral treatment.
He says that after staff at the IRH diagnosed him as having the virus in October, he was later contacted by Ardgowan Medical Practice, who produced positive blood test results dated January 6, 2003.
Frank said: "I had my blood tests taken in late 2002 because my now wife and I were set to go through another round of IVF. We had two unsuccessful tries on the NHS and were going to pay for a third.
"But that Christmas we both lost our jobs with Fullarton Electronics when they closed down. Our lives fell apart. All our plans were halted. We still got married, but we couldn't afford the IVF, so we weren't able to try again. Hepatitis C can cause infertility. We would have known that then if we'd had the results."
Frank did visit his doctor a year later, but says he was told nothing about the positive hep C test. And five years ago his health began to deteriorate rapidly, with severe nerve and joint pain.
He also began showing signs of Raynaud's phenomenon, which causes cold and numb fingers and is a visible symptom of hepatitis C. Medics now believe Frank contracted hepatitis C during an operation to correct a broken leg he suffered in a road accident in 1984.
"I've had hep C for 40 years," he said. "The accident happened on a bad winter's day, at the Tuck Shop, on the road outside the Ardgowan Practice, unbelievably.
"My leg didn't set right and I had to go in for an operation. Now I find I'm a victim of the contaminated blood scandal. But my journey is just beginning."
Frank showed a letter he received from Ardgowan Medical Practice, responding to his complaint, in which they told him that the procedure for blood test results is the same today as it was in 2003 - that patients should phone within seven days of the test to find out the results.
The practice also told Frank it has no record of a phone call from him asking for the results.
He also showed a letter from the practice in response to a second complaint made by Frank in which they say that unless he specifically asked about the blood test during an appointment, a GP would not check his records.
He said: "I want to speak out about this because I have nothing left to lose. I feel that Ardgowan Practice should be more accountable and take responsibility for what happened. There is no way they should not have passed those results on to me. I asked them, where were the results all those years? Were they sitting in a drawer until I phoned?
"This has destroyed my life. For 20 years it was known I had hep C. I want to make sure that this never happens to anyone else. If anything good is to come out of this, it is that people will be aware of what happened to me.
"There might be other people out there who have missed blood test results, who have hep C or something else and who don't know. I also fear that if I was infected by contaminated blood at the IRH in 1984 there might be other people out there in the same situation who don't know about it."
In a further blow, because of the passage of time, Frank says he has been told by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman that it will not investigate his case.
Frank is now hoping for justice through the Scottish Infected Blood Support Scheme (SIBSS) after facing a race against time to get his compensation claim in.
The SIBSS provides support to people in Scotland who contracted hepatitis C and/or HIV from NHS blood, blood products, or tissue.
Ardgowan Medical Practice decline to comment when approached.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
12 minutes ago
- The Independent
‘Failings' in care of ex-cricketer Graham Thorpe in months before he died, coroner says
There were 'failings' in the provision of care to former England cricketer Graham Thorpe in the months before he died, a coroner has said. Speaking at the inquest into Mr Thorpe's death, Jonathan Stevens then recorded a conclusion of suicide. Mr Thorpe was not perceived to be in a 'crisis situation' by healthcare professionals after they were told he had been asking his wife 'for help to end his life' weeks before he died, an inquest heard. The 55-year-old died on the morning of 4 August 2024 after being struck by a train at a railway station in Surrey. His widow, Amanda Thorpe, said he had taken his own life. An inquest at Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking heard he had 'spiralled into depression' after losing his job as a batting coach in 2022, and he had tried to take his own life on another occasion. After missing an appointment with the community mental health team on June 28 2024, care co-ordinator Katie Johnson spoke to Mr Thorpe's wife on the phone who told her he was 'constantly asking for help to end his life', the court heard. Ms Johnson then spoke to Mr Thorpe who told her he 'hadn't been out for a while' and 'didn't see the point of being here' but had no immediate plans to act on suicidal thoughts, the inquest heard. An investigation was carried out by Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust after his death, which details a number of findings and recommendations. Dr Shriti Burgul, a consultant psychiatrist who reviewed the investigation's report before it was finalised, told the court on Friday that one of the findings was that 'it was noted that Graham's presentation at his appointment on 28 June 2024 was in keeping with previous presentations and not perceived by the team as a crisis situation'. Given the conversation was over the phone, the psychiatrist was asked if it would have been appropriate to arrange to see Mr Thorpe very quickly. She said: 'In the wisdom of hindsight, then yes, a home visit would have been clinically indicated,' adding: 'I think the team's view at that point was this was part of his chronic presentation.' Dr Burgul was asked if arranging an appointment for two weeks was an appropriate response and she said in the absence of Mr Thorpe expressing 'active intent' or an 'active plan', it would be appropriate to allow two weeks. She said Mr Thorpe was not at the level of requiring intervention from the home treatment team. The psychiatrist was asked if there was any evidence that if there had been an in-person assessment for Mr Thorpe, there would have been a different outcome, and she replied 'no'. The investigation noted that a letter from when Mr Thorpe was discharged from a private hospital in July 2022 said a neuropsychologist should be identified to provide further support, the inquest heard. This was never done by the private provider or the GP, and a risk panel advised it should be explored in June 2024, Dr Burgul said. Asked whether there was any neuropsychological impact that could have affected the cricketer's ability to engage in appointments, given he missed some, the psychiatrist said 'it's a possibility, yes'. Mr Thorpe's cause of death was recorded by a pathologist as multiple injuries, the coroner said. The inquest previously heard that while on tour in Australia, there was an 'incident involving a video that was taken that had adverse publicity'. Mr Thorpe shared a video with some friends which was leaked, and the incident was 'blown out of all proportion', leaving Mr Thorpe 'distraught', Ms Thorpe said. According to reports at the time, the video, filmed after a dismal Ashes series which England lost 4-0, showed Tasmanian police breaking up a drinking session involving both England and Australia players. Ms Thorpe described it as a 'horrible' time, and said the later termination of his employment with the England and Wales Cricket Board was a 'real shock to Graham', which was the 'start of the decline of his mental health'. Mr Thorpe was a mainstay in the England set-up for many years, first as a batter between 1993 and 2005 before spending 12 years in coaching roles. During a distinguished international career, he struck 16 Test hundreds for England, including a debut century against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993, and represented his country 182 times in all formats. If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@ or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to to find a helpline near you.
Daily Record
41 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Plea to pause changes at Falkirk housing with care complex as 2000 sign petition
Residents speak out as a Falkirk councillor asks for the changes to be put on hold to address concerns More than 2000 people have signed a petition objecting to plans to replace council care staff with an external provider in a Housing With Care complex in Falkirk. Now, Falkirk councillor Brian McCabe, who represents Denny & Dunipace, has called for the changes to be paused, saying the residents of Tygetshaugh Court and their families still have too many unanswered questions. The petition highlighted fears that residents would "lose the security of having staff to call on between 7 am and 10pm". The decision was taken by the Integration Joint Board (IJB), which oversees the work of Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), which brings together NHS and council-run care services. The HSCP insists that residents at Tygetshaugh Court will continue to receive their usual level of care following this change, and response support will continue to be provided by the Mobile Emergency Care Service. But many of those living in the supported accommodation have real concerns that the MECS service will have a longer response time than having staff on-site. They also fear that the change will mean an end to all social activities and the closure of the laundry service. Residents Anna and Robert Kilpatrick, who have lived in the complex for four years, say they are "fed up and stressed" at the prospect of the changes. Robert (84) has Parkinsons and COPD which means he needs oxygen just to walk from room to room in his flat. The couple have nothing but praise for the team who work at the complex and are worried that external providers will not provide the same level of care Robert currently gets. "I would say they give 200 per cent - they are all brilliant," said Robert. They are also concerned that the change to external provider will mean an end to all the social activities that staff help residents to attend. Robert and Anna say that the service agreement they signed when they took on their tenancy makes clear that social activities are a central part of Tygetshaugh. The agreement says: "The events and activities are an important part of life in HWC (housing with care) and help to ensure that service users are not isolated (except by choice). These events and activities ensure that service users enjoy the 'community lifestyle' offered by HWC." However, the HSCP now says that "the planning and facilitating of communal social activities is not within the formal remit of Housing with Care Staff". They say they are already working with residents to form a committee that will organise and fund social events. But while Robert and Anna's family has always been happy to help organise and fundraise for social events, they want to know who will help residents with mobility issues get from their houses to the lounge. Victoria Kirkwood says her mum, like many residents, moved to Tygetshaugh for "peace of mind". "It took my mum a full year to start socialising. That's how long it took for the staff to build up trust - but she loves it now," she said. Without the support of staff, she fears her mum and many other residents will be unable to attend events. She is also concerned at the prospect of the laundry closing, although the HSCP says that "residents who are assessed as requiring support to do their laundry will have this need met through their package of care. "Housing Services have confirmed that laundry needs of residents will continue to be met and work is ongoing to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place." The HSCP also insists that the overall level of care will not change for residents. A spokesperson said: "Falkirk already has successful links with care at home and social care providers, which deliver the majority of care within homes across the local area. "Our local care providers receive the same level of training as the Housing with Care Service, are registered with the Care Inspectorate, and are subject to our internal contract monitoring. "Urgent response support will be provided by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECS), which already provides this support when no housing with care staff are available." Councillor McCabe says he is backing the residents' calls for more information, although he stresses the decision was not made by Falkirk Council. "I do have extreme concerns that this is the thin end of the wedge for our Housing with Care complexes in Falkirk," he said. The IJB says the decision was made as part of this year's budget setting process and the £150,000 it will save will help to meet a budget gap of more than £20 million. Critics, however, say the change could lead to elderly residents ending up in hospital or care homes at a much higher cost. Anna says she can't understand why a place that has always been so happy has to change and she would like the chance to speak to the people who made the decision. "Come and talk to us - come and see what a lovely place this is!" she said. "Come and tell us what's happening!"
Daily Mirror
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Little girl's organ donation plea for Keir Starmer as she delivers letter to No 10
Little Beatrix Adamson-Archbold spent more than 15 months waiting in hospital for a heart transplant - her dad is now campaigning to put organ donor lessons on the national curriculum A little girl who spent more than a year waiting for a critical heart transplant has delivered a letter to No 10 appealing for organ donation lessons in schools. Beatrix Adamson-Archbold waited more than 15 months in hospital for her heart transplant, leading her devoted dad Terry Archbold to campaign for organ donor lessons to be part of the national curriculum. He decided to make the four-year-old's letter a special delivery. Terry, a police officer from Burnopfield, Co Durham, has won the support of his local Labour MP Liz Twist. He said: "Bea had a great day out, everyone was so kind to her. We have spoken a great deal about organ donation and I decided to put down everything she said in a letter to the Prime Minister." "She knew he was the 'boss of the country' and we were going to his home." Bea wrote to Sir Keir: "Hello, my name is Beatrix and I am 4 years old, what is your name? I will be 5 when it is my next birthday. I have a special heart, I had a heart transplant and it saved my life. "When I grow up I want to be a Doctor and a Unicorn Rider all at the same time. I want to be a Doctor to help people. Helping people and other children like me is nice. "I would like you to talk about special hearts and organs, I had a poorly heart but when I had a heart transplant it made me better. I want you to talk to my Dad about organs. "He says the more we talk about it the more poorly people we can help save. Kids like me. I have a school book which teaches about organs, it is an Orgamite book and I want to give it to you as a present." Now thriving, Bea is a testament to the miracle of transplant surgery. Terry told of the costs to the NHS for her care prior to her op in June 2023 at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle; 30 days in paediatric intensive care, 425 days in the high dependency unit and fitting a mechanical heart to keep her alive cost more than £1m. Terry, 47, believes school lessons about organ donation for children of all ages would raise awareness, increase the number of donors and reduce the cost burden on the NHS. He was in London with Bea's mum Cheryl Adamson, 42, a council worker, who collected a British Citizen Award for her work with Bea's 500 Club, a group which supports good causes and people in need. The couple have seen both sides of the transplant journey. In 2018, they lost their daughter Isabel (c) when she was stillborn and they donated her heart for medical research. Terry has also written to the PM. He is being supported in his crusade by Sergio Petrucci, who won a Pride of Britain award for his work with the Red Sky Foundation, and Orgamites, the group which teaches about organ donation in schools. The government is considering an independent review on the national curriculum with Professor Becky Francis and her expert panel giving their recommendations late last year.
