Jade Goody’s doctor has finally spoken out saying Jade died because of NHS “neglect and incompetence”.

Dr Ann Coxon said that Goody’s death last year was unnecessary and could have been prevented if “glaringly obvious” symptoms were not overlooked.

Goody was allowed to travel to India to appear on the country’s version of Big Brother after staff at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, apparently failed to find anything during an ultrasound, reports The Sun.

The cancer was only diagnosed after a nurse at the medical facility asked to carry out a smear test after realising that Goody had skipped several in the past.

Dr Coxon, a Harley Street consultant, said: “An ultrasound should be able to pick up lesions just 1.2mm wide, and Jade had a tumour the size of a tangerine. It should have been blindingly obvious.

“She probably had cancer for at least a year before her diagnosis. The abnormal smear tests were signs that she was high-risk. She was only diagnosed because of one nurse bothering to do her job.”

The Princess Alexandra has previously refused to discuss allegations over its care of Jade, commenting only that it was respecting her confidentiality. Dr Coxon added: “Jade’s story must never be forgotten.

“She need not have died if the medical profession had got their act together in time.”

DR Coxon contributes to Jade: A Year Without Her, on Living TV on Sunday at 9pm.