BBC News Online 23rd July
A West Lancashire businessman has been paid £24,000 in damages after his illness was misdiagnosed by doctors.
Paul Shinner, 46, from Birch Green, Skelmersdale, was told he had rheumatoid arthritis, but was in fact suffering from Hepatitis C. Mr Shinner contacted lawyers about his treatment and an out-of-court settlement was reached.
Central Lancashire PCT said it was "pleased" the issue was resolved and Mr Shinner had made a full recovery.
He saw two doctors 18 times between 1992 and 2001 and endured rashes and painful recurrent symptoms. Mr Shinner, who said he is now cured, suffered from swollen ankles, rashes on his lower limbs and blood in his urine. He said the pain was like "someone taking a hammer to my ankles," and would often leave him bedridden.
Two separate GPs maintained the problems were caused by rheumatoid arthritis, but failed to refer him to a specialist to confirm their diagnosis.
Mr Shinner was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, a serious virus which affects the liver, in 2002, after he saw a different GP. The new GP immediately referred him to a rheumatologist, who in turn referred him to a hepatologist. After a 12-month course of drugs, Mr Shinner has made a full recovery. He said: "I should have got access to the right treatment much earlier. Bringing action... was never about money, it was about making sure that this is not swept under the carpet. "It's possible that there are a lots of people out there with Hepatitis C, who are unaware that they have the condition."
Mr Shinner said he is now enjoying a full and active life again.
"I feel fantastic these days," he said. "I can run again, and play football with the kids. It's like I've been given my life back."
