Clinic Tells Patients They Have Lung Cancer Instead of 'Merry Christmas' in Text Message Mishap

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A medical practice in the United Kingdom has apologized to patients who incorrectly received a text message that suggested they have a serious form of cancer.

The Askern Medical Practice in Doncastersent the erroneous messageto those registered with the provideron Christmas Eve, according toThe Telegraphand NPR.

The text message suggested that the patients had “aggressive lung cancerwith metastases,” and requested they fill out a benefits form for individuals with terminal illnesses,The Telegraphand the BBC reported.

“Please accept our sincere apologies for the previous text message sent,” the second message said, according to NPR. “This has been sent in error.”

The intended message was, they added, “We wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

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Carl Chegwin, who received one of the misleading messages, told NPR he’d never received a “Merry Christmas” from the office in the past. He added that he’s been visiting the office for about three decades.

“To me, that apology, it’s not even an apology,” he said, according to the outlet. “It’s kind of an arrogant, nonchalant, handwaving.”

“That kind of thing breaks people and drives people to despair,” said Chegwin, who has vowed not to return to the practice.

Sarah Hargreaves told the BBC that she “felt sick” and “broke down” upon receiving the message while out shopping. She added that she recently had a mole removed and “was awaiting a result from a biopsy.”

Hargreaves attempted to call Askern, but had a difficult time connecting with a representative.

Chris Reed, a 57-year-old property developer who also received the message about cancer, went to the office in person after struggling to connect with someone at the practice, according toThe Telegram. He was later told about the mistake.

“They went from ‘you’ve got lung cancer’ to ‘merry Christmas’ in about an hour,” he told the outlet. “Unbelievable.”

It is unclear why the texts were sent en masse to Askern Medical Practice’s patients.

The clinic has approximately 8,000 patients, according to the BBC.

source: people.com