It took 37 visits before doctors discovered I had

- 04 March 2005;Used with kind permission of the Medway Kent Messenger

A young father who is dying of cancer has told how it took 37 visits over 15 months before Medway Maritime Hospital diagnosed his illness.

Peter Cura, 30, from Bendon Way, Rainham, was consistently told that he had nothing to worry about, despite being admitted for several operations.

It wasn't until a kidney was removed that the disease was diagnosed. Mr Cura said that even then the hospital did not offer him a CAT scan, which would identify cancer, and when he eventually insisted on one, it was found that the cancer had spread and could not be treated.

Mr Cura is now taking legal action against the hospital.

Medway NHS Trust chiefs have admit-ted that there was a delay in diagnosing renal cancer and said measures have been put in place to deal with the issues raised by Mr Cura's case.

It was in April 2002 that Peter, who has two children; first went to see his GP after passing blood in his urine. A hospital appointment was made, but that night he was in such severe pain that he went to the Accident and Emergency department at Medway Maritime.

It was first thought he had an obstruction in his left kidney. Later, kidney stones were diagnosed. Despite operations to relieve the problem, it became worse.

"It crossed my mind that it might be cancer," he said. "But when I asked the doctor he said: `Definitely not'.

"In July 2003 the kidney was taken out. It was sent for tests and they found a tumour, 8cm across, but even then were told there was nothing to worry about."

Later, Peter and his wife Julia went to Medway Maritime and demanded a CAT scan. "In December 2003 we were given the news that the cancer had spread and that there was nothing they could do," said Peter.

Peter's case has been taken up by solicitor Sarah Harman, who specialises in complaints against hospitals.

"We want the hospital to admit what they have done, and to do something about it so that others don't have to go through this," said Julia.

A spokesman for Medway NHS Trust said.. "The trust can confirm that Mr Cura has instructed solicitors to investigate and commence a civil claim against the trust arising from the treatment he received.

"Following .investigations, the trust has confirmed to Mr Cura that there was a delay in diagnosing his renal cancer.

"The trust would wish to extend it sympathy to Mr Cura and his family for the delay that occurred. Measures have been put in place to address the issues raised in the claim in. the hope of preventing similar such cases.

"The trust understands that solicitors acting for both parties are in discussions to attempt to resolve this case.

"There are still issues that remain the subject of discussion between the parties and no further comment can be made at this time, pending the outcome of those discussions."