A 20-year-old cancer patient died from sepsis at The Christie hospital after contracting an infection through cross-contamination, a coroner has concluded
A “very talented” young student undergoing cancer treatment at the Christie succumbed to sepsis he most likely caught due to inadequate hand hygiene at the hospital, a coroner has determined.
Joshua Abbott-Littler, from Wigan, had received a diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia on June 8 last year. The 20-year-old had been rushed to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, in his hometown, after displaying “flu-like symptoms” with deteriorating chest pains, sore throat, exhaustion and spontaneous bruising.
Yesterday (March 17), an inquest at Manchester Coroners’ Court heard how he died in the early hours of June 26, 2025, at The Christie hospital. The court heard how he developed an infection through cross-contamination from “inadequate adherence” to hand hygiene on the ward.
Coroner Andrew Bridgman heard how Josh was an “intelligent” and “very talented” young man, who loved music, attending gigs and festivals. He was studying at Lancaster University, pursuing an integrated masters degree in maths, but had received a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He was described as being “fit and well” during the summer after he rang the bell for the “all clear” at The Christie, Manchester in May 2024. The inquest revealed how Joshua was tragically diagnosed with treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia on June 8 – a rare, aggressive form of leukaemia caused by undergoing certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.
He was subsequently readmitted to The Christie, but passed away in the early hours of June 26.
The coroner determined that Joshua died from multiple organ failure resulting from sepsis following a bacterial infection which he contracted through cross-contamination from another patient on the ward.
His cause of death was recorded as multiple organ failure, multidrug-resistant sepsis spread through cross-contamination from another patient on the ward, and treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia.
Nevertheless, his diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma was noted to not have directly contributed to his death.
In the days preceding Joshua’s death, his condition deteriorated rapidly, during which he also experienced multiple organ failure. An echocardiogram revealed that his heart function was severely compromised at 35%compared to the anticipated 55-60%.
During the evening of June 24, he was transferred to the critical care unit at the Christie, and the next day he was administered specialist antibiotics which are “rarely used in other contexts” after testing positive for CPE (Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales). Following Joshua’s passing, a PSII (Patient Safety Incident Investigation) report from the NHS trust revealed that genetic testing confirmed the bacterial strain which led to Josh’s admission into the critical care unit was identical to that of another patient on the ward, indicating cross-contamination.
The infection originated in Joshua’s bloodstream. The report further stated that staff members must employ an aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT), designed to prevent microorganisms from hands, surfaces or equipment being introduced into a susceptible (key) site such as an intravenous device, urinary catheter or wound – in Joshua’s case, this was a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter).
The report suggested that poor adherence to appropriate hand hygiene and control measures including ANTT is “highly likely” to have been the cause of the infection entering Joshua’s bloodstream.
Joshua exhibited symptoms of multiple organ failure, a result of severe sepsis. His condition rapidly deteriorate and he could not survive this.
The coroner added that The Christie acknowledged cross-contamination and admitted there were lapses in infection control and prevention.
Coroner Bridgman determined that whilst Joshua’s death was initially attributed to complications from his previous cancer treatment, this was “overtaken by the inadequate adherence to antiseptic techniques”. He continued by describing this as amongst the more “tragic inquests”, calling his circumstances of death “devastating” for the family as he extended his sympathies.
A spokesperson for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said: “We offer our sincere condolences to Joshua’s family.
“The safety of our patients is The Christie’s highest priority, and we have stringent infection control measures in place across all our services. Following this incident, we have carried out a thorough review and have already implemented further improvements to strengthen our infection prevention practices to ensure we provide the safest possible care to all our patients.
“Our thoughts remain with Joshua’s family at this difficult time, and we are deeply sorry for their loss.”
In the aftermath of his death, Joshua’s family collected funds for Young Lives vs Cancer by completing a nine-hour trek from Wigan to Southport. The charity provides support to children battling cancer and their families.
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