Delores Bart, a 56-year-old mother from Wolverhampton, suffered catastrophic brain damage after doctors failed to detect a brain bleed for 12 days, sending her home with only paracetamol. Her son Leon Bart claims the delay in diagnosis has left his mother unable to speak and paralyzed on her right side.
Initial collapse and misdiagnosis
On September 15, 2024, Delores collapsed in her bathroom and was taken to A&E. After a three-and-a-half-hour wait, she was discharged with painkillers. Over the following days, she visited her GP twice with intense headaches but was again prescribed only paracetamol.
Leon said: "When I walked in, I didn't recognise her, and she didn't recognise me. I don't think I have ever cried so much in my life it was horrendous."
Discovery of brain bleed
On September 27, Delores collapsed again outside her grandchildren's school. At New Cross Hospital, doctors finally identified a significant brain bleed. She was airlifted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for emergency surgery.
Almost two years on, Delores can only speak a few words and cannot move her right side. She has aphasia, a condition that impairs her ability to communicate. Leon explained: "We have to play 20 questions to find out what she wants."
Impact on family
Leon, 35, now cares for his mother full-time after taking a demotion at work. He has launched a GoFundMe page to adapt their home for Delores's needs, including wheelchair access and specialized equipment.
The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust stated they would be happy to meet with the family to discuss any concerns. The trust said: "We take all complaints seriously and encourage the family to contact us directly."
Broader implications
This case highlights potential failures in emergency triage and GP assessments. Delores's symptoms—collapse and severe headache—are classic signs of a brain bleed, yet they were dismissed. The family is now seeking answers and urging others to advocate for themselves.
