A cancer patient from Blackburn was left unable to book a hospital appointment because medical records showed that he was dead.
Alan Campbell, 63, of Little Harwood, tried to arrange a visit through the NHS Choose & Book system after he feared his recurring skin cancer had spread to his throat, Lancashire Telegraph reports.
Campbell said: "I got a letter with the reference and rang on Saturday. I was told I could see a consultant on June 29. But then they said, 'Sorry, we can't give you an appointment, our records show you are deceased'.
"I said 'you're joking, I'm talking to you aren't I?'. But they said, 'You'll have to go back to your GP to get it sorted out'."
He added: "I couldn't believe it. I was flabbergasted. I'm not one for complaining, but when somebody says you're dead it's not on."
Janice Horrocks, executive director of Engagement Partnerships and Operational Development, said: "We are sorry for the distress experienced by this patient. We are currently holding a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this case and are working with the patient to secure an appointment."