Hospital worker dies in ‘catastrophic incident’ after major mix-up
A HOSPITAL worker has died after catching a deadly infection in what has been described as a “catastrophic” incident.
The staff member’s death, which happened within the last year, is being investigated by Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) after a major mix-up.
The trust, which runs the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham, said it could not determine whether the employee contracted chickenpox at the workplace but said the staff member worked in a “higher risk location”.
NUH admitted that while they initially believed the staff member to be immunised against the viral infection, their records were in fact incorrect.
Chickenpox is a mild disease but can be fatal in very rare cases, particularly in people who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or babies.
NUH described it as a “tragic event” and said it had put together an improvement plan to address “gaps in the system”.
The incident was included in the trust’s 2023/24 health and safety annual report, which was put before the board on September 12.
It was categorised as a “catastrophic” incident under its reporting systems.
“The catastrophic incident related to the death of a staff member who contracted Varicella (chickenpox),” the report says.
“Whilst it has not been possible to determine a definite causal link to work or through community acquisition; the member of staff’s immunisation record showed the person had immunisation, which was incorrect.
“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.”
It is understood than 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 & Safety Executive (HSE), however it said none of those were followed up.
Chickenpox and horrifying side effects
AN ITCHY and spotty rash is the most recognisable symptom of chickenpox.
The illness happens in three stages.
- Stage one: small red or pink spots appear anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, which can be painful
- Stage two: the spots fill with fluid and become blisters, which are very itchy and may burst
- Stage three: the spots form a scab
Before or after the rash appears, you might also get:
- A high temperature
- Aches and pains, and generally feeling unwell
- Loss of appetite
Chickenpox will usually get better by itself in one to two weeks without you needing see a GP.
But you should get advice from 111 if:
- The skin around the chickenpox blisters is hot, painful and red – note that redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- Your child has chickenpox and is dehydrated
- Chickenpox symptoms suddenly get worse
- You’re pregnant and have not had chickenpox before, or you’re not sure, and you’ve been near someone with chickenpox
- You have a weakened immune system and have been near someone with chickenpox
- You think your newborn baby has chickenpox
Chickenpox complications
Serious complications from chickenpox include:
- Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues in children, including Group A streptococcal infections
- Infection of the lungs (pneumonia)
- Infection or swelling of the brain (encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia)
- Bleeding problems (hemorrhagic complications)
- Bloodstream infections (sepsis)
- Dehydration
Sources: NHS, CDC