An investigation by the Health Quality and Complaints Commission found Gold Coast Hospital made a ``major oversight'' in August 2011 when Surfers Paradise man Mitch Rosehart was referred by a urologist for an immediate biopsy after finding a suspicious lump in his prostate.
Although deemed a priority one case, the pensioner waited three months for the procedure that never eventuated because the biopsy booking request had been accidentally filed in his patient folder rather than being dealt with.
In November 2011, Mr Rosehart, now 59, had a CT scan for a separate medical issue in which it was discovered the cancer had spread to his bones, chest, neck and spine, giving him little hope of recovery.
``I went straight to the emergency department, an oncologist saw me and said the cancer had spread,'' said Mr Rosehart.
``He made some phone calls to follow up on the biopsy and came back and said there's been a major stuff-up, the system has let you down, you're not even booked in.
``I was terrified that because of a major hospital error I was now in a life-threatening situation.''
An independent adviser in the HQCC investigation found the three-month delay significantly affected Mr Rosehart's life expectancy and chance of recovery.
``Given the extent of the disease when diagnosed in November 2011, it is possible that an earlier investigation/diagnosis may have changed your outcome,'' read the report.
``The delay in the investigation and subsequent diagnosis of your condition was a major oversight by the hospital.''
Mr Rosehart is now on hormone therapy to slow the cancer but lives in constant pain and is devastated he cannot give his younger partner a child.
``The hormone therapy has destroyed me as a man,'' he said.
``I'm suffering from symptoms similar to menopause. Because the cancer is in my spine there's a high chance I could become paralysed. I'm terrified of that. I've told the doctors directly that I don't want to know what my life expectancy is, I'd just prefer to go in my sleep one night.''
The disabled pensioner said he now spent most of his $270 a week pension on alternative medicine hoping to save himself.
He can no longer afford his one-bedroom unit and will be homeless next month, having been on the Housing Commission waiting list for more than three years.
``There's no amount of money that will compensate me, I'd prefer to see my grandchildren grow up.''
Gold Coast Health Acting Executive Director of Medical Services, Dr Robert Pegram, said a Human Error and Patient Safety investigation was launched after the bungle and several recommendations had been implemented to ensure the mistake was not repeated.
Hospital executives have arranged to meet Mr Rosehart this week to discuss the situation.
``Gold Coast Health regrets any additional stress that was caused to the patient and their family as a result of the biopsy not being initially booked,'' Dr Pegram said.
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