Girl misdiagnosed, given unnecessary chemo
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026
This event is unlikely to have significant market impact as it involves a single hospital and a rare medical error. However, it may prompt increased scrutiny of diagnostic practices at NHS hospitals, potentially affecting public trust and insurance costs.
Faye Condon, a 12-year-old girl from United Kingdom — Plymouth, Bret Engemann, was misdiagnosed with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) at age 5 by doctors at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. She underwent six rounds of unnecessary chemotherapy over five months, as well as home injections and a muscle biopsy, before being correctly diagnosed with Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) type 2 by Great Ormond Street Hospital in August 2025. Her mother, Christina Chen, had repeatedly questioned the JDM diagnosis and sought a second opinion at Derriford Hospital, which led to the correct diagnosis via genetic testing. Christina alleges that budget constraints at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children influenced the failure to conduct proper tests. Faye now uses a wheelchair, requires overnight ventilation, and faces life-threatening heart complications. Christina is filing a formal complaint against Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
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