Hospital employee dies in ‘catastrophic incident’ after lethal an infection mix-up

A “catastrophic” medical mishap caused a hospital worker to die after contracting chickenpox, prompting an in-depth investigation.

The horrific event, which is now being investigated by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), saw the worker, employed at a “higher risk location” within the trust, die earlier this year. NUH admitted that while they initially believed the staff member to be immunised against the viral infection, their records were in fact incorrect.

In a statement, NUH labelled the loss of their colleague as a “tragic event” and responded with a robust plan aimed at overhauling procedural failings.

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Chickenpox is generally seen as a mild ailment, yet it poses a serious risk to certain individuals such as those with compromised immune systems, pregnant women, and infants, and can lead to death in exceptional instances.

The distressing incident was featured in the 2023/24 health and safety annual report tabled before NUH’s board on Thursday, September 12, highlighted as a critical and “catastrophic” occurrence within the trust’s reporting framework.

An excerpt from the report reads: “The catastrophic incident related to the death of a staff member who contracted Varicella (chickenpox),” further indicating that the exact origins of the illness whether it was contracted at work or in the community could not be definitively pinned down. However, it suggests a serious lapse mentioning the employee’s vaccination record incorrectly stating immunisation, reports the Mirror.

“As the member of staff worked in a higher-risk location, the decision was taken to report the incident under RIDDOR. A full investigation has been undertaken and an improvement plan is being worked through to address gaps in the systems.”

Danielle Petch, chief people officer at NUH, said: “The death of one of our employees is always a tragic event and our condolences go out to their loved ones. At this stage, unfortunately, we are unable to comment further.”

An inquest will be taking place into the death. The incident was the only categorised as catastrophic under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR).

A total of 78 incidents were reported, including three with severe harm and 45 with moderate harm.

The incidents related to things such as staff being assaulted, tripping over objects and slippery floors and being hit by a ceiling hatch. NUH is obligated to report RIDDOR incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), however it said none of those were followed up.

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