A journalist has revealed a five-year NHS failure that left him unaware of a life-changing epilepsy diagnosis, during which time he continued to drive and suffered two more dangerous seizures.
A missed diagnosis with dangerous consequences
Fraser Peel, a 29-year-old video journalist, first suffered a suspected seizure in the summer of 2020 when he collapsed in his garden. He was taken by ambulance to Medway Hospital, where he was told the episode was "most likely a one off". Despite this, he was referred to King's College Hospital in London for further tests, including an EEG brain scan.
Weeks later, he received a letter which he says "didn't specifically state any real finding" but suggested more tests. He claims he never received any follow-up invitation and struggled to contact the hospital during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. With no further seizures, he assumed the incident was due to dehydration and resumed his life, including driving, for the next four years.
Life-threatening seizures while in the dark
Fraser's world was upended in October 2024 when he had a terrifying seizure while working from home. "I collapsed at my desk," he explained. His girlfriend found him convulsing. He was taken again to Medway Hospital and, as this was a second suspected seizure, the DVLA was informed and he was provisionally banned from driving.
He spent nearly a year chasing both hospitals for follow-up tests, with King's College Hospital at one point stating they had no record of a referral. Then, in November 2025, he suffered a third seizure while walking with a friend in the North Downs, waking up on a muddy path disoriented.
The shocking revelation
Feeling "completely deflated" after being discharged, Fraser contacted his GP. "He proceeded to tell me over the phone that I had been diagnosed with epilepsy in 2020 after my initial brain scan at King's," Fraser said. "I was lost for words. How you can be diagnosed with a life-changing condition like epilepsy and not be informed of it just beggars belief."
He expressed grave concern about the risks he unknowingly faced: "I was driving for four of the following five years. Had I had a seizure at the wheel I could have killed myself or other road users."
Hospital responses and ongoing investigation
After being contacted by the Mirror, Medway NHS Foundation Trust sent Fraser a letter confirming his diagnosis—a letter they claim was originally sent in December 2020. A spokeswoman stated: "Medway NHS Foundation Trust wrote to Mr Peel and his GP in December 2020 to confirm a diagnosis of epilepsy." They added they are helping him access support.
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust said the EEG report was sent back to Fraser's neurologist in December 2020 and that his care remained with his local team. They are investigating a subsequent referral made in January 2025.
Fraser and his family are adamant the original letter never arrived. "Regardless of whether or not they sent the letter, I still think it was negligence on behalf of the NHS as I was offered no follow up medical support," he stated.
This case follows a recent investigation by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman into the death of William 'Syd' Chapman, 58, who was not told by the Countess of Chester Hospital that he was terminally ill with pulmonary fibrosis.
