Overview

• James Beasley, 68, first reported rectal bleeding to his GP in March 2020 but was not examined and was told it was likely haemorrhoids.
• When he returned in December 2020, blood tests showed anaemia yet the result was not flagged and no review or referral was arranged.
• After attending hospital in August 2021, he was referred under the two‑week urgent pathway and was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in October 2021.
• He underwent palliative chemotherapy and had a stoma fitted, received a 12‑month prognosis in January 2022 and died in February 2023.
• His family secured an undisclosed out‑of‑court settlement; the GPs denied liability but, through legal representatives, admitted specific failings and offered condolences while the family now raises awareness of bowel cancer symptoms.