A woman who underwent a hysterectomy after cervical cancer was not spotted when she had smear tests has launched a compensation claim against the NHS for £30 million.
Helen McGlone, 32, has a PhD in particle physics and alleges the operation prevented her from embarking on a potentially lucrative financial career.
In 2005 and 2006 Ms McGlone had two smear tests which found no trace of cancer. In 2008 and following a general health check in Geneva she learned she had cervical cancer. This was missed on the original smear tests.
Ms McGlone only underwent the health check after she accidentally cut her finger at home, and realised she had medical insurance which entitled her to a health check.
Due to the lateness of the diagnosis she underwent a hysterectomy operation to remove the cancer.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have admitted mistakes were made but at previous hearings have stated that should the cancer have been caught at earlier stages, an operation would have taken place anyway.
Initially, the claim was for £5 million and took into account the loss of not being able to have children and the loss of her earnings potential. The Court of Session in Edinburgh, however, was told by Alan McLean QC, the sum could be increased to in excess of £30 million.
Subsequently, her claim is for loss of fertility, loss of opportunity to earn, and pain and suffering.
The health board has argued she is being unrealistic about her lost earnings potential.
The hearing continues.
