A WOMAN who later died of cancer was sent home from hospital after being told her health fears were all in her mind, it is claimed.

Now the health service ombudsman is to investigate the treatment of 57-year-old Kathleen Eyre at Winchester's Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

The probe is due to be launched following complaints made by Mrs Eyre's husband John concerning her treatment from early 1994 until her death in 1996.

He is accusing the hospital of failing to diagnose her cancer of the liver and bile duct at the earliest opportunity.

Mrs Eyre was eventually diagnosed in September 1995. Mr Eyre claims the tumour should have been spotted during scans in January 1995.

He alleges that the hospital repeatedly failed to investigate a blockage in Mrs Eyre's bile duct, despite dozens of hospital admissions because of vomiting and violent abdominal pains.

He also claims his wife was told her problems were not medical and she was referred to a hospital psychologist.

Mr Eyre, of Darwin Road, Eastleigh, said: "She attempted to commit suicide on at least two occasions because she was so very desperate.

"It got to the point where I couldn't leave her in the house for fear that she would try it again.

"Nobody seemed to want to help her and give her the treatment she needed. The last straw was when they said her problems were psychological.

"She used to say to me 'Am I going mad No one is listening to me'."

Eastleigh MP David Chidgey is backing the Eyre family's appeal.

He said: "The circumstances of Mrs Eyre's death are obviously very tragic for the family.

"I'm pleased that the ombudsman has been able to take the decision that there is a case that needs to be examined.

"It's the first step on a long road but the case has certainly managed to scale a major hurdle.

"Mr Eyre came to see me after his wife died and I agreed to help him - it's exactly what MPs should be there for.

"We will be pressuring the ombudsman to move as quickly as possible. The Eyre family have suffered enough and a prolonged case would only extend their suffering."

The RHCH in Winchester said: "We have not been contacted by the ombudsman but we will certainly respond to any requests for information if and when we receive them."

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