NHS ‘human error’ led to boy receiving another patient’s medical treatment

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A hospital trust has issued an apology after a ‘human error’ led to a young boy being given medical treatment meant for another patient.

The issue occurred when seven-year-old Sultan Hussain, who was admitted at Bradford Royal Infirmary for a skin condition was mistakenly given oxygen and sodium meant for another patient.

Human error

Sultan was in hospital following a standard GP referral for boils on his hands and feet after antibiotics failed to subside his symptoms. The seven-year-old was initially seen by a nurse who told them ‘everything’s clear’ but more tests were needed to be run overnight – which his parents agreed to.

However, when Sultan’s mother returned the next day, she found that he had been put on oxygen for breathing issues, and given sodium due to his chest being ‘heavy’, which caused her great distress.

When Sultan’s parents questioned the doctors, stating that ‘this can’t be right’, a doctor informed them that the medication was not meant for him and was given in error.

Sultan’s father said:

“This doctor came to the room and informed us my son was given this medication which wasn’t for him. This was for another patient but it was given wrongly to my son, but not to worry because ‘it’s only a nebuliser and sodium, give him plenty of water, it’s just a human error’.

“I was upset, I was angered. This is a really big worry. You’re telling me my son is going to be ok, I’ll take your word for it.”

“Anything could have happened. Then what, would they have turned around and say it’s just a human error? I couldn’t accept that. There was a time when I had so much confidence and trust within the NHS, with the hospitals, that one would feel safe to be treated going into hospital.”

“It’s concerning. Tomorrow it could be someone else’s child.”

Sultan’s parents also raised concerns about a 3-day delay in changing the bedding. His mother Nasar said:

“The bedding was not changed for three days. [Staff member’s name] informed me sometimes it happens to be the nurses come in and families say it’s ok.

“I said nobody said ‘Do you need the bedding changing?’. He’s laying there with these boils which are bursting and there’s all the fluid on his bedding. After that conversation, they did change his bedding straight away. It took them three days.”

A spokesperson for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust apologised for “the worry and distress caused to the family by this incident”.

The spokesperson moved to reassure the family that no harm was caused to their child and that an apology was given in person.

NHS ‘human error’ led to boy receiving another patient’s medical treatment

A hospital trust has issued an apology after a ‘human error’ led to a young boy being given medical treatment meant for another patient.

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