Irish Doctor Tragically Passes Away in Manchester Hospital Due to Incorrect Medication
A Galway-born doctor tragically passed away in a Manchester hospital due to medication errors. Ray McMahon, aged 68, died after receiving an overdose of incorrect medication meant to treat a chest infection.
Details of the Incident
On February 2023, Dr. McMahon was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital with a severe chest infection. Despite his extensive experience as a consultant histopathologist within the same NHS trust, he received the wrong drug through an intravenous drip.
Medical Errors Identified
- The coroner reported a “cascade of errors” led to Dr. McMahon’s death.
- A specific antibiotic was recommended for his treatment but was not administered correctly.
- The hospital’s pharmacy mistakenly dispensed a higher-dose version of a similar-sounding medication from the refrigerator.
Dr. McMahon’s family expressed deep sorrow and disappointment regarding the hospital’s failures. His wife, Claire McMahon, a retired GP, stated, “Ray devoted his whole life to the NHS but was failed by Wythenshawe Hospital.”
Hospital Response
The Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for the hospital, acknowledged falling short of their expected care standards. They publicly apologized for the error and its devastating consequences.
A Respected Medical Career
Dr. McMahon had lived in the UK for over 40 years and was well-known in the medical community. He served as a professor at the University of Manchester and was an influential medical educator.
Family and Legacy
- He is survived by his wife and three daughters: Aoife, Niamh, and Sorcha.
- Dr. McMahon was also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren.
- He is remembered as a beloved figure, described as “one of the most delightful and loveable characters in international pathology.”
The incident reflects a tragic failure within a trusted healthcare system, raising concerns about patient safety and the importance of accurate medication administration.
