A 31-year-old radiographer has apparently committed suicide after making an error that resulted in the death of a patient.

The Daily Mail reports that radiographer Michael Crabtree was found dead at work at the 

Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, days after the death of 66-year-old patient Kathleen Wise.

The former accountant died from a heart attack after barium from an enema leaked into her bloodstream. The test is used to diagnose stomach problems and an inquest heard that an inexperienced member of staff at the hospital had placed a tube incorrectly during the procedure – although Mrs Wise was nervous about having the procedure and had complained of discomfort, she had agreed to allow it to proceed.

A coroner in Cleethorpes heard than an unnamed radiographer – referred to only as Radiographer B – felt responsible for her death. It is thought that Radiographer B was Michael Crabtree. An inquest into his death – which is not suspicious – is to be held on 12 May.

However, a note from Mr Crabtree stated:

‘…my actions have led to a patient dying, due to my incompetency.'

When Mrs Wise had complained of discomfort, Radiographer B had thought her bowel had gone into spasm and went to ask radiographer Dr Hussein Hassan for advice. He said he could find nothing wrong and suggested a muscle relaxant. Half-an-hour later, Radiographer B again asked for help. Dr Hassan told the inquest:

'Radiographer B told me he thought he had put the tube in the wrong position. This only happens in every one in around 175,000 cases. Even when the liquid used in the test entered the wrong part of the body, this would not have killed her,’ said Dr Hassan.

Mrs Wise went into cardiac arrest, however, and was resuscitated by Dr Uthappa Belliappa after 50 minutes. She remained unconscious and died when her heart stopped again.

Coroner Paul Kelly said Mrs Wise died from pulmonary barium micro-embolisation – two tears were found in her bowel, allowing barium to enter her bloodstream.

The hospital has since made changes in procedures for barium enemas, with the patient in a different position, soft catheters being used – and three members of staff now being present.

The coroner questioned, however, how having ‘inexperienced’ staff present might help prevent a catheter being inserted in the wrong part of the body.

A spokesperson for the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital said:

‘Mrs Wise came in for a routine procedure. We agree with the coroner's conclusion and we wish to send out our condolences to the family. We hope that the closing of this process can allow them to move on.’

Mrs Wise – from Louth in Lincolnshire – died a few days before her sixty-seventh birthday. Her husband Tony Wise is said to be devastated by her death and is thought to be pursuing a civil claim.

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