Redbridge father dies after alleged cancer misdiagnosis
Family lodges formal complaints over care received from paramedics and palliative team.
Incident → evidence → outcomeA Redbridge father has died in extreme pain following an alleged misdiagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. Bharat Gharu, 71, was initially diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in June 2024 and sent home. His condition deteriorated, and he was readmitted to hospital in November 2024, where he received the devastating diagnosis that his cancer had spread to his lungs, liver, and bones.
His daughter, Careena Gharu, 39, stated that her father suffered immensely in his final days. She claims he begged for his legs to be amputated due to the severe pain. The family has since lodged formal complaints concerning the care provided by both paramedics and the palliative care team.
Timeline of care
Mr Gharu first experienced abdominal discomfort and bloating in June 2024. He was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with acute pancreatitis, then discharged. Medical staff reportedly indicated a follow-up appointment would occur two months later, but the family states no further contact was received. In November 2024, he returned to hospital with similar symptoms, and a growth was discovered. By January 2025, a biopsy confirmed stage four pancreatic cancer.
Faced with chemotherapy or palliative care as his only options, Mr Gharu opted for palliative care to remain comfortable at home. His daughter stated that he was told nothing could be done and he wanted to live his final days pain-free.
Final hours and complaints
On the morning of 16 March 2025, Mr Gharu collapsed at home, experiencing severe pain and passing blood. The family contacted the palliative care team, who reportedly stated it was likely due to haemorrhoids and did not dispatch a medical professional. Following further pleas from the family, they were advised to call 111. Mr Gharu was then taken to hospital by ambulance. His daughter reported that he was left waiting in a hospital corridor for at least 20 minutes, still in agony and unable to breathe. She stated that paramedics declined to administer pain relief, citing the need for a medication chart from the palliative care team. Mr Gharu died shortly after being moved to a room, with his blood pressure recorded as critically low.
Careena Gharu has lodged formal complaints against the London Ambulance Service and the palliative care team. She stated that the paramedic's report contained inconsistencies regarding the timeline of events and the presence of blood. Dr Fenella Wrigley, chief medical officer at London Ambulance Service, offered condolences and stated they were sorry for the situation.
Questions this report answers
01What was Bharat Gharu's initial diagnosis?
Bharat Gharu was initially diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in June 2024 after complaining of abdominal pain and bloating. He was sent home from hospital with this diagnosis.
02When was Bharat Gharu diagnosed with cancer?
Bharat Gharu was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in November 2024, five months after his initial diagnosis. The cancer had reportedly spread to his lungs, liver, and bones by this time.
03What complaints has the family made?
The family has lodged formal complaints regarding the care received from both the paramedics and the palliative care team. They cite inconsistencies in reports and a lack of timely and adequate pain management.
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