Firefighter's healthy lung removed
A firefighter's healthy lung was allegedly removed unnecessarily after he was wrongly diagnosed with cancer, it has emerged.
By Aislinn Simpson
Last Updated: 2:02AM BST 11 Aug 2008
Laurence Ball, 58, claims he was told he had a tumour in his lung and needed surgery to remove the organ.
But he says he was later told that there was never any cancer and the operation he underwent was unnecessary.
Mr Ball, who lives in Shetland, says his life has been ruined by the ordeal.
The firefighter, who has commendations for bravery, now plans legal action against NHS Grampian.
"The impact of this on my life and my family is hard to imagine," he told a Scottish paper.
"I have lost everything - my job, my health and I have had years of what should have been a happy retirement stolen from me.
"To say that I was shocked doesn't really do it justice.
"I was exhilarated to have survived the operation and then to be told that I didn't have cancer - I could not get my head around the words."
Mr Ball's problems started when he contracted a chest infection and was sent for tests at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
He was reportedly told he had tested positive for cancer in the upper left lobe of his left lung.
He underwent surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where the whole left lung was removed.
After the operation, Mr Ball was told by a surgeon he would not need chemotherapy as there had never been any cancer in his lung.
Since the operation he has reportedly suffered an almost fatal pneumothorax, which makes the lung collapse.
The health board have reportedly not paid Mr Ball any compensation, and he is preparing to take court action.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said: "We are aware of this court action.
"However, the case is currently in the hands of the Central Legal Office, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."