Hundreds of patients registered at a GP surgery in Doncaster are thought to have received a message informing them they had aggressive lung cancer in an apparent error instead of the planned 'Merry Christmas' text.
The text message, sent on December 23, issued a diagnosis to patients at Askern Medical Centre - including some who were waiting for lung cancer test results, the Sun reports.
Property developer Chris Reed, 57, reportedly received the text message after being tested for lung cancer - causing his partner to burst into tears.
Mr Reed attempted to phone the surgery but found the phone lines full, before rushing to the centre to then be informed it was a mistake and his cancer results were, in fact, negative.
The message, sent at 3.49pm on December 23, was supposed to wish patients a merry Christmas
The surgery issued a second text message 22 minutes after, offering 'sincere apologies' for the error
The text message, posted on social media by multiple upset patients, read: 'From the forwarded letters at CMP, Dr [name] has asked for you to do a DS1500 for the above patient.
'Diagnosis - Aggressive lung cancer with metastases.'
Metastases is a term used when cancer has spread from one site to another, making it more difficult to treat.
DS1500 is a type of form used so that people with terminal illnesses can claim benefits.
The message appeared to be meant for internal circulation amongst surgery staff only, but sparked outrage amongst local residents with many saying they were left shaken and worried by the message.
The surgery issued a second text message 22 minutes after, offering 'sincere apologies' for the error.
It added: 'Our message to you should have read: We wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.'
One patient at the surgery, who rushed inside after receiving the text, posted the error on Facebook, writing: 'Something [is] clearly not right at Askern Medical Practice. Fuming.
'I received this message and I'm not the only one. I was shaking and close to tears.
'Quite a few in the surgery now with the same text. I was near the surgery and walked in to say what the hell?
'I'm not the only one but people will now be worried if they’ve received this text.'
Another patient blasted the practice, writing staff had sent 'a text to everyone telling them they have aggressive terminal lung cancer'.
Others pointed out the anguish caused for the patient referenced in the message, as well as the many others awaiting screening results at a time so close to Christmas.
Askern Medical Practice has been contacted for comment.
English (United States) ·