Hospital tragedy after error that killed patient

A RADIOGRAPHER was found dead days after a mistake during a routine procedure led to the death of a patient.

The body of Matthew Crabtree, 31, was found at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby. Days earlier, 67-year-old Kathleen Wise, a retired accountant, died after undergoing a barium enema last November.

At an inquest in Cleethorpes, the radiographer involved was referred to as Radiographer B, but is understood to be Mr Crabtree.

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A note read out from Radiographer B said: "...my actions have led to a patient dying, due to my incompetency".

The inquest heard that the radiographer incorrectly inserted a tube, which passes dye into the bowel to highlight any problems on X-ray, into the wrong part of the body.

Mrs Wise, from Louth, began to complain of discomfort, but was in no pain and agreed for the radiographer to continue. Later she again complained of discomfort, which Radiographer B thought was a result of her bowel going into spasm.

He asked for advice from a doctor, Dr Hussein Hassan, and he suggested administering a muscle relaxant. But about half an hour later Radiographer B again asked for help.

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The doctor said: "Radiographer B told me he thought he had put the tube in the wrong position.

"This only happens in every one in around 175,000 cases."

Even when the liquid used in the test entered the wrong part of the body, this would not have killed her, the inquest heard.

The patient then went into cardiac arrest and died despite efforts to resuscitate her.

Pathologist Dr William Martin Peters told the hearing that in the post mortem examination two tears were found and it was thought barium had entered her bloodstream, resulting in a cardiac arrest.

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Karen Wilson, patient services manager, who investigated Mrs Wise's death, told the inquest changes have since been made.

Coroner Paul Kelly's verdict was that Mrs Wise died from pulmonary barium micro-embolisation.

Her husband Tony was too upset to comment, but his solicitor said: "He is devastated at the loss of his wife and is relieved the inquest is over and accepts the coroner's verdict."

He remained very concerned about his wife's death and would be pursuing a civil claim.

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Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital said they agreed with the coroner's conclusion.

The cause of Mr Crabtree's death, on November 16 last year, has yet to be revealed as a separate inquest has to be held.

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