On 1 July 2025, I received a call from Darent Valley Hospital asking if I still needed an ENT referral. The surprising part? That referral had been made by my GP more than three years ago, back in 2022.
I had moved away from Kent in the intervening period but was fortunate that my issue had in any event resolved on its own. At the time, I assumed it was a one-off. But a recent investigation has revealed that I was not the only one.
Medway NHS Foundation Trust (responsible for ENT appointments at Medway Maritime Hospital and Darent Valley Hospital) has now admitted that more than 8,800 ENT referrals were not properly actioned, following what it called an “unnecessary delay” caused by an administrative backlog. The Trust has issued a public apology but for many affected patients, the consequences may be more than an inconvenience.
What is ENT?
ENT stands for Ear, Nose and Throat. ENT departments diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions including:
• Chronic sinusitis
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Balance problems or vertigo
• Persistent sore throats or tonsillitis
• Nasal obstruction and nosebleeds
• Head and neck lumps or cancer symptoms
These conditions vary widely in severity but often require specialist assessment to diagnose properly. Persistent symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, ongoing hoarseness, unexplained nosebleeds, balance problems or ear pain can signal something more serious. ENT referrals are a key step in getting patients the specialist care and scans they may need.
In cases like this, ENT delays can result in prolonged suffering, missed treatment opportunities, delayed cancer diagnoses, and unnecessary psychological distress.
For those caught up in the Medway NHS Foundation Trust ENT backlog, these are not just ‘admin errors’ they are failings in patient care. Every referral represents a person who needed help, and who was let down.
Could you have a claim for delayed diagnosis or ENT negligence?
If you were referred to the ENT department at Darent Valley Hospital or Medway Maritime Hospital in the last few years and did not receive a timely appointment, you may be entitled to bring an ENT compensation claim. This includes people whose symptoms worsened while waiting, whose condition became more serious, or who experienced pain or stress as a result of the delay.
How can Tees help?
At Tees, we specialise in medical negligence and act for clients who have been let down by systems that should protect them. We can review your experience and advise you on whether you may have a legal claim. We offer a:
• free initial discussion to assess your case
• clear, practical advice on your legal options
• dedicated support from a Legal 500-recognised team
• no win, no fee options available
If you have been affected by the ENT delays at Darent Valley Hospital and Medway Maritime Hospital, we are here to help.
