Inquest into cancer injection death

An inquest was being held today into the death of an 18-year-old man who died after a powerful cancer drug was mistakenly injected into his spine.

Wayne Jowett, of Nottingham, quickly slipped into a coma after the blunder on January 4 and died less then a month later.

Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre, where Mr Jowett had been receiving regular treatment for leukaemia, disclosed the cancer drug vincristine had been injected into the spine when it should have gone into a vein.

Two doctors have been suspended and an investigation into the incident has been launched.

An independent report into the incident, due out today, is expected to criticise hospital procedures and individual medical staff.

A spokesman for the QMC said an apology had already been given to the parents.

He added: "All staff in the hospital have been reminded that we have very strict procedures and protocols and they must be followed at all times."

There is no known cure for vincristine administered into the spine, which leads to a slow paralysis of the body with the heart finally stopping.

Since 1985 similar mistakes have been made in British hospitals, with 10 patients dying and three being left severely disabled.

Today's inquest will be held in Nottingham before coroner Dr Nigel Chapman.

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