THE sister of a woman who died from cervical cancer is speaking out against hospital care in the hope that “no family has to suffer like ours has”.

Nicky Jetson-Shepherd, from Thirsk, died last August aged 52 after being diagnosed with cervical cancer seventeen months earlier.

However, she experienced symptoms since May 2013, yet after GP appointments and gynaecology service, she wasn’t diagnosed until April 2016.

The South Tees NHS Foundation Trust conducted an internal investigation, which highlighted numerous failings in the care awarded.

As a result of her death, the Trust amended its policies to avoid similar situations.

Sister Sandra Bates said: “It was heartbreaking to see her health deteriorate following her diagnosis knowing that it could, and perhaps should, have been diagnosed much earlier.

“It is painful knowing she was aware of her symptoms and sought out medical attention. She did all the right things.

“Sadly, she was let down when she needed help the most. We want to ensure that the lessons are thoroughly learnt from her death.

“We are speaking out to help raise awareness of this awful disease and hopefully to try and ensure no family has to suffer like ours has.”

Ms Jetson-Shepherd experienced symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding.

However, she was repeatedly told her symptoms were either related to early menopause, Hormone Replacement Therapy or fibroids.

A Root Cause Analysis Investigation Report carried out by the NHS Trust found there to be a lack of recognition of the importance of her physical symptoms.

One of the recommendations of the report was to develop local practice guidelines to investigate and manage patients with similar cases.

A spokeswoman for South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We can confirm that we carried out an internal investigation into this case and a number of lessons have been learned.”

Ms Bates is pursuing legal action against the NHS Trust after instructing specialist medical negligence lawyers, and is airing her story prior to Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (January 22-29), with the aim of educating others of the symptoms.