Brain tumour patient 'not offered CT scan'

A Jersey brain tumour patient has said "processes weren't followed" after she experienced a delay in her diagnosis because she was not offered a CT scan.

Sophie Reid, 36, was taken to Jersey General Hospital after collapsing in her salon in September 2024.

She said her GP requested a CT scan for her, which took place two weeks after she collapsed, and it revealed brain lesions.

Health and Care Jersey (HCJ) said "learning about patient experiences is invaluable in helping us to improve service" but it could not comment on individual cases.

Surgery that took place in Southampton in December showed Ms Reid had a grade three malignant tumour, which means the cancer cells are growing quickly.

She collapsed at her hair salon, Stylistics Hair Studio in Five Oaks, and has only recently returned to carry out some administrative work.

Recalling what happened, she said "we were all laughing and joking" until she went to style a client's hair.

"I was trying to speak and nothing was coming out," she said.

"I felt like I was dying and I couldn't really explain it. I collapsed and I have no memory from when I was on the floor."

Ms Reid shared her story on social media to call for improvements to the health service.

"I know processes weren't followed – I've been told that," she said.

"When a 36-year-old person who is fit and active has a seizure – why wouldn't you give them a scan?

"I was getting told if I had my seizure in the morning then I would've had my scan straight away and I'm frustrated now because they don't have enough A&E to cover busy periods so processes weren't followed."

The Government of Jersey said in response to a Freedom of Information request HCJ did not have "dedicated policies for the management of either a first seizure" but in the absence of one the process was to "implement the guidelines provided by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence or Royal Colleges".

The Royal College of Emergency Care recommends CT scans for patients who have experienced seizures for the first time.

Ms Reid said the diagnosis had also affected the lives of her husband Jordan and their four children.

"It's difficult on some days," she said.

"We have two children with special needs so it's been a lot of up and downs for them."

A close friend launched a fundraiser to help the family while she was off work.

Ms Reid said of the support: "Our entire family are so grateful for the outpouring of love and donations we have received so far."

HCJ said Health Minister Tom Binet and other senior officials had met with Ms Reid to listen to her concerns.

A spokesperson said: "Learning about patient experiences is invaluable in helping us to improve services.

"As a department we are committed to continuously working to improving the delivery of care to Jersey residents and visitors."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].