Instead of wishing patients a Merry Christmas, a UK hospital texts them that they have cancer

A man awaiting the results of a lung cancer test, which came back negative earlier, was among those who received the text message from a UK hospital. According to a report, patients at a hospital in Yorkshire, UK, were incorrectly told by text message on Christmas Eve that they had terminal lung cancer. The hospital, on the other hand, stated that it had intended to send out “Merry Christmas” messages instead, according to The Independent.

Facebook user Vicky Southgate shared the message and said she was “shaking and close to tears”. The text asked for “a DS1500 for the above patient. Diagnosis — Aggressive lung cancer with metastases”.

People with terminal illnesses are given the form DS1500, and metastasis is the term used when cancer spreads from where it was first discovered to other parts of the body. “Something’s clearly not right at Askern Medical Practice,” Vicky Southgate said, adding, ”Fuming. I received this message and I’m not the only one.”

A follow-up text sent by the hospital apologised for the mistake saying, “Please accept our sincere apologies for the previous text message sent. “This has been sent in error. Our message to you should have read: We wish you a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. In case of emergency please contact NHS 111 no-reply.text@nhs.net,” the hospital said.