Pathologist’s Tragic Death Linked to Medication Error at Wythenshawe Hospital
Prof Ray McMahon, a distinguished histopathologist, died from an overdose of incorrect medication at Wythenshawe Hospital in Greater Manchester. His death was attributed to a series of errors that the coroner described as a “cascade of errors.”
Details of the Incident
During an inquest, the acting senior coroner, Zak Golombeck, confirmed that McMahon, 68, passed away in the intensive care unit due to negligence related to medication administration. His death occurred after being treated for a chest infection following an ambulance call in February.
Hospital Apology
Dr Katherine Ajdukiewicz, a representative from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, acknowledged the errors during the court proceedings. She highlighted that the series of mistakes led to McMahon’s tragic death. Dr Sohail Munshi, the trust’s joint chief medical officer, also issued an apology, stating that the care provided fell short of the expected standards.
Medical Treatment Timeline
- February: Prof McMahon was admitted to the hospital with symptoms such as a low-grade fever and reduced appetite.
- 18 February: He was transferred to the acute intensive care unit for enhanced support.
- A consultant recommended liposomal amphotericin for a potential fungal respiratory infection.
Medications and Errors
Due to a critical mistake, the wrong type of liposomal amphotericin was prescribed. This particular medication required refrigeration, while the correct one was stored at room temperature. The hospital pharmacy mistakenly identified and administered non-lipid amphotericin (Fungizone), leading to a substantial overdose.
Consequences of the Mistakes
The overdose resulted in a cardiac arrest for Prof McMahon, with resuscitation attempts proving futile. The error was only acknowledged the day after his tragic passing.
Family Reactions
Prof McMahon’s daughter, Aoife, expressed profound disappointment, stating that her father was “failed” by the hospital. His wife, Claire, lamented the dual nature of errors that led to his death, stating, “Ray devoted his whole life to the NHS but, as a patient, he was failed by Wythenshawe hospital.”
Trust’s Commitment
In light of the incident, Dr Munshi emphasized that a thorough investigation has been conducted. He assured that the trust would carefully consider the coroner’s conclusion. He also paid tribute to Prof McMahon, recognizing his significant contributions to the health service during his long tenure.
