June 8, 2017 10.28 am This story is over 81 months old

NHS trust apologises for death of Lincolnshire patient

An NHS trust has apologised for the death of a Sleaford man after an organ transplant. Leigh Robbins, 53, died in March 2016, less than three months after being given a life-saving transplant at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford. An inquest found that Mr Robbins died of complications from an infection that he developed due to the procedure.…
Leigh Robbins died in March 2016 after a blood-test mix up

An NHS trust has apologised for the death of a Sleaford man after an organ transplant.

Leigh Robbins, 53, died in March 2016, less than three months after being given a life-saving transplant at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford.

An inquest found that Mr Robbins died of complications from an infection that he developed due to the procedure.

Dr Tony Berendt, medical director of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to the family of Mr Robbins over his tragic death.

“I have written to the family of Mr Robbins expressing our sincere apologies for the circumstances leading up to his death.

“Since then we have looked very carefully at our processes and we have made several significant changes to our procedures.”

The pancreas had a common but serious infection called cytomegalovirus (CMV), however it was reported as negative due to the hospital mixing up the blood samples when it was tested.

After feeling unwell, Robbins was transferred back to the hospital and in late February the a septic screening was undertaken where he was diagnosed with CMV before passing away at the end of March.

Leigh’s wife, Rebecca Robbins, 37, said the family was “hugely concerned” by the findings of the inquest. She added: “It is devastating to know that, if things had been done differently, Leigh’s death could have potentially been prevented.

“We put huge faith and trust into the health service to ensure that Leigh got the quality, safe care he deserved and we are devastated by what happened. It simply cannot be allowed to happen again.”