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CANCER LASER SETS FIRE TO PENSIONER, 74
Patient suffers severe burns as machine malfunctions
A PENSIONER fighting cancer in St Mary’s Hospital suffered severe burns after a laser treating her liver malfunctioned and set her on fire.
Grandmother Francesca Ryder has had two operations since the botched procedure including emergency skin grafts to her chest, right arm and abdomen.
The 74-year-old, from Acton, west London, is seeking legal advice and her solicitor Gene Matthews, from personal injury specialists Leigh Day & Co, said: “This is a terrible incident to occur at any hospital and for anybody to experience. It is a real concern because she is 74 and a cancer patient. As a result of what has happened she has had to undergo two operations to repair the damage that has been done.
“It is very serious and very worrying for the family.”
The accident happened after a laser aimed at tumours into Ms Ryder’s liver was fed into her body through a tube.
The tube is supposed to be protected by a jacket filled with cool water to stop it overheating.
But the cooling system was not turned on. When the tube overheated it set fire to Mrs Ryder’s bandages, burning her skin.
A spokesman for the hospital said: “The Trust would like to extend our sincere apologies to Mrs Ryder and her family for this tragic incident.
“Unfortunately, during the routine procedure, she suffered serious burns. It is believed that this incident was primarily caused by the water-cooling system not being in operation.”
The Paddington-based hospital added: “Immediate action was taken by the trust following the incident and a serious clinical incident investigation was carried out.
“A number of actions have since been introduced, including tightening all safety procedures. The treatment has been suspended until we are satisfied that all stringent checks are in place.” |
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