The Northern NSW Local Health District has apologised to the family of a Grafton cancer patient who died last month just hours after leaving Grafton Base Hospital.

Terminal cancer patient, 55-year-old Sandra Shipley died within hours of visiting Grafton Base Hospital on Saturday, March 22.

According to Ms Shipley’s 34-year-old daughter, Corina Bethune, her mother was only diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago and she had started chemotherapy, which they were told could prolong her life for up to five years, on Friday, March 21, just the day before they returned to the hospital.

When she arrived at the emergency department to get treatment, her partner of 20 years, Ken Baker described her condition as semi-conscious, she was in serious pain and had a very low blood pressure.

Mr Baker wheeled Ms Shipley to the emergency reception desk in a wheelchair and told the lady he spoke to that his partner had terminal cancer, and they had a card from the oncology department to get her straight into hospital because of her condition.

He told media including the ABC that the woman at reception stated there was nobody from oncology at the hospital and told the couple to sit down.

When Ms Shipley became ‘frantic’ and insisted on going home after waiting 45 minutes without being assessed, Mr Baker said the couple were distressed about going home without treatment.

Ms Shipley passed away in the early hours the following day, March 23.

Mr Baker said he checked on his partner through the night and when he woke, she had already passed away.

A spokesperson said Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) extends its deepest condolences to family and friends for their loss.

“A review into the circumstances of care provided to this patient is being undertaken and we have spoken with the family of Ms Shipley,” the spokesperson said.

Ms Shipley is survived by her 6 children and 10 grandchildren.

This article appeared in Clarence Valley Independent, 9 April 2025.