Doctors failed to tell dad-of-seven he was dying

"William Chapman, known as Syd, was told "not to worry" by doctors at the Countess of Chester Hospital after being admitted with shortness of breath in July 2021. But the 58-year-old found out he had in fact been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease, when his GP mentioned it in passing on the phone in December that year - eight months before his death."

"Mr Chapman's daughter, 32-year-old Chantelle Parker, said her family had "lost trust in the NHS". "My dad thought he was going to get better, because that's what they led him to believe," she said. EPA "Because of that he carried on working even though it was a struggle for him. "If he had known the truth, he would have given up work and made the most of the time he had left with his family.""

William Chapman, 58, was admitted with shortness of breath in July 2021 and was referred to a specialist lung department for tests. Junior staff reassured him with phrases such as "not to worry" and "nothing to worry about" despite an unrevealed diagnosis. A consultant diagnosed pulmonary fibrosis in November and sent a letter to Chapman's GP but did not inform Chapman directly. The GP mentioned the diagnosis casually by phone in December, and Chapman learned he had an incurable lung disease eight months before his death. The Countess of Chester Hospital apologised and accepted the PHSO findings. The family reported lost trust and missed opportunities for end-of-life planning.

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