Family Condemns NHS Delays Following Mother’s Tragic Suicide
The family of Nicola Thyne, a 35-year-old mother of two, have voiced their outrage, labeling NHS delays a ‘disgrace’ after she tragically took her own life. Ms. Thyne had endured 15 months of severe pain awaiting crucial surgery.
Endometriosis and Prolonged Suffering
Ms. Thyne, from Bathgate, West Lothian, suffered from endometriosis, a debilitating condition estimated to affect 1.5 million women in the UK.
Like many others, she experienced years of intense pain prior to diagnosis. Eventually, she was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis, a severe form where organs become attached to the uterine wall.
The intensity of her condition severely impacted her daily life, making simple activities like walking and bending over exceedingly difficult.
Despite the agonizing daily symptoms, Ms. Thyne waited 15 months for a surgery appointment through the NHS.
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However, her hopes were shattered when she was informed that her scheduled surgery was canceled and further postponed for another 18 months.
Devastation and Loss
Overwhelmed by despair, Ms. Thyne, a former nurse and police officer, tragically ended her life after leaving letters for her loved ones.
Her mother, Elaine Watson, in an interview with STV News, expressed her profound disappointment with the NHS, stating, ‘I’m totally disgusted with the NHS.’
Elaine Watson spoke to STV News, expressing her grief after the loss of her daughter who suffered for years from debilitating endometriosis symptoms.
Nicola Thyne, a mother-of-two residing in Bathgate, West Lothian, tragically died by suicide after learning her surgery, for which she had already waited 15 months, was delayed an additional 18 months.
Described by her family as ‘wonderful’ and ‘clever’, the 35-year-old endured unbearable pain, rendering everyday tasks such as walking and bending over challenging.
Mrs. Watson recounted the lack of urgency from healthcare providers: ‘There was no “we’ll get the operation sooner or try to push it forward.”‘
‘She was in absolute agony… she had horrendous periods,’ her mother added, highlighting the severity of her suffering.
Ms. Thyne, who passed away in January of the previous year, is survived by her two children, aged 15 and 12.
Mrs. Watson described how her daughter had spent multiple nights and Christmases in hospital, only to be discharged with medication.
Her family fondly remembered the mother of two as ‘one of a kind – a treasure,’ emphasizing her ability to brighten any room with her smile.
Family Efforts and Support Group Launched
Despite their grief, Ms. Thyne’s family has channeled their energy into raising thousands of pounds for endometriosis charities.
June Smillie, a relative of Ms. Thyne, has established a support group named ‘Nicola’s’ in her honor.
Ms. Watson attended the opening ceremony of this vital support group.
Ms. Thyne tragically took her own life in January of last year, leaving behind letters for each family member.
Ms. Watson has fiercely criticized NHS delays as a ‘disgrace,’ lamenting the lack of effort to expedite her daughter’s surgery.
Ms. Watson shared her personal struggle with grief, stating that while she must ‘keep going’ for her nine grandchildren, she often finds it difficult, experiencing days where she feels unable to cope.
Ms. Smillie told STV News of her desire to create ‘a legacy’ in Ms. Thyne’s name, offering a safe and supportive environment for women to connect.
The support group convenes at the Jim Walker Partnership Centre in Bathgate and is staffed by volunteers.
NHS Lothian’s Response
Dr. Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian, expressed condolences: ‘Our deepest condolences are with the family involved. We would wish to discuss their concerns directly but are unable to comment on individual patients without consent.’
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis is defined as a severely painful condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus.
Although commonly found around the womb (ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvis lining), it can, as in Ms. Thyne’s case, affect other organs such as the bladder and bowel.
The intense pain stems from the breakdown and bleeding of these endometriosis growths during menstruation, which has no means of exiting the body.
A support group, named ‘Nicola’s’, has been established by Ms. Thyne’s relative, June Smillie, to assist women affected by endometriosis.
Wider Impact of Endometriosis and Diagnosis Delays
Endometriosis UK charity reported last year that women typically wait nearly nine years for a diagnosis. Sufferers often report their symptoms are dismissed or minimized by healthcare professionals, contributing to delays in treatment.
The condition can severely impair daily functioning and fertility.
Current estimates indicate approximately 630,000 women are on waiting lists for gynaecology appointments, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Recently, a support group initiated by Derby County Community Trust, the charitable arm of the football club, cautioned about the loss of ‘valuable’ women from the workforce due to the condition’s impact.
Another woman suffering from endometriosis, Rashida Animashaun, shared with Femail earlier this month her 14-year journey to receiving a diagnosis.
Ms. Animashaun, now 26, experienced debilitating menstrual pain as a teenager, forcing her to interrupt her education.
For 14 years, medical professionals dismissed her agonizing pain as normal menstrual cramps.
Over a decade and three surgeries later, she finally received a diagnosis and now advocates for increased awareness of endometriosis.
‘People often think endometriosis is just “bad period pain”, but it’s so much more than that,’ she explained to FEMAIL.
Rashida Animashaun, 26, began experiencing excruciating menstruation during her teenage years which severely disrupted her studies.
Rashida Animashaun has bravely shared her agonizing 14-year struggle to get diagnosed with endometriosis, during which her pain was repeatedly dismissed by doctors.
‘It affects every aspect of life—physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially. Many of us experience pain not just during our periods, but while ovulating, in the days leading up to our cycle, and sometimes even outside of that.’
‘The symptoms go far beyond pain: vomiting, fainting, mucus in stool, sharp belly button pain, chest pain that worsens before or during periods, nerve pain radiating from the hips to the feet, migraines, swelling, painful bowel movements, painful urination, painful intercourse, heavy bleeding, and spotting,’ Ms. Animashaun detailed, emphasizing the wide range of debilitating symptoms.
Rashida’s Journey and Call for Awareness
Ms. Animashaun has undergone three surgeries, the first at 13 to remove a ruptured ovarian cyst, the second at 22 for a 5cm cyst, and a diagnostic laparoscopy in February 2024, which finally confirmed her endometriosis diagnosis.
‘My adenomyosis diagnosis came even later, in December,’ she added, highlighting the complexity and delayed diagnoses often associated with these conditions.
She described how the severity of her condition disrupted her education, forcing her to reschedule GCSEs, drop out of college, and abandon university aspirations.
Lack of Awareness and Prevalence
Despite affecting 1 in 10 women in the UK, recent research indicates that nearly half (48 percent) of women are unaware of the common symptoms of endometriosis, underscoring the urgent need for greater public awareness and education.