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Probe as family raises concerns over cancer diagnosis of man who died at Walsall Manor

An investigation has been launched into the death from cancer of a retired mechanic after his family raised concerns about a late diagnosis, an inquest heard.

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Alan Brandrick, of Fourth Avenue, Brownhills, died at Manor Hospital in Walsall on April 23 this year.

Senior coroner's officer Stephen Binsley said the 76-year-old had been referred for tests after visiting his GP over blood in his urine in June last year but that a subsequent CT scan had come back clear.

Mr Brandrick sought further medical help on Christmas Eve when he was prescribed antibiotics for a water infection.

But his condition continued to deteriorate and he was sent for further tests in January and on that occasion a scan showed enlarged lymph nodes and a growth in his right kidney.

The family raised concerns about his care but the hospital confirmed that the CT scan in July had showed what was believed to be a benign cyst. Consultant urologist Dr Suresh Ganta, who is based at the Manor, said that in hindsight the cyst was possibly cancerous.

Mr Binsley told the inquest that it was an aggressive cancer but regarding the timing of the diagnosis, he added: "Dr Ganta does not believe that it would have made a difference to the outcome."

Mr Brandrick was offered a biopsy and other tests in January but these could not take place straight away because he was on the blood-thinning drug Warfarin, the inquest in Oldbury heard.

He was admitted to the Manor Hospital on April 5 with jaundice, anaemia and other conditions but despite active management, his health deteriorated rapidly and he died just over two weeks later.

A post mortem showed that the cause of death was kidney cancer.

Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique concluded that Mr Brandrick had died of natural causes. Mr Binsley said the hospital had launched an investigation.

Amir Khan, medical director at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, told the inquest that an investigation would take place.

He said: "We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Alan Brandrick and appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time for them as they try to come to terms with their loss.

"The trust always endeavours to provide the highest quality of care to all of its patients and we take all concerns raised very seriously.

"An investigation into the care provided to Mr Brandrick has taken place at the request of the coroner and we will be contacting the family to share the outcome."

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