OAP's death led to C.diff treatment overhaul

Sep 18 2008 by Kat Keogh, Birmingham Mail

A PENSIONER’S death has led to an overhaul of the treatment of patients suffering from superbug C.diff, according to a Birmingham hospital boss.

Dr Hugh Rayner, medical director at the Heart of England Trust, which runs Heartlands and Solihull hospitals, said the death of 76-year-old Bernard Galloway raised “serious issues” about the management of patients who contracted the bug.

Mr Galloway, of Ebrington Avenue, Solihull, was left dehydrated and unseen by a consultant due to errors by staff at Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham Coroner’s Court was told.

The retired quality control engineer at Lucas died three days after being admitted to the Bordesley Green hospital in March 2006.

An inquest heard how the pensioner was missed off a patient rounds list, was not given enough fluids after becoming dehydrated due to diarrhoea and was put on an unsuitable ward due to lack of free beds.

Dr Rayner said Mr Galloway was transferred to the only available side room, located on a low dependency ward, to prevent the spread of C.diff to other patients.

“The reality of the situation is that we have to put patients where we can,” he said.

“It was appropriate that he was put in that side room. Our obligation is to admit every patient if at all possible. It would have been cruel to have him go to another hospital.”

Pathologist Martin Carey said the cause of death was pseudo-membrane colitis – an infection that is nearly always C.diff.

Dr Rayner blamed the fact that the pensioner was not seen by a consultant on a “human error”.

More than £1 million a year will be invested in the treatment of patients with C.diff, and Heartlands Hospital now has a specialist ward dedicated to the treatment of the bug.

(Proceeding)