A fatal accident inquiry (FAI) is to be held into the death of cancer patient Lisa Norris.
Lisa was 16 when she died in 2006, months after she received a dose of ionising radiation much greater than that intended while undergoing a course of radiotherapy at the Beatson Oncology Centre (BOC) in Glasgow.
A post-mortem examination found the brain tumour caused her death. The overdose occurred because a figure entered on the planning form for one of the critical treatment delivery parameters was significantly higher than the figure that should have been used.
The error came to light because the same treatment planner made the same mistake in the next allotted plan of this type for a different patient.
The error was reported immediately and investigated under IR(ME)R. As a result of the incident, and in response to recommendations made in the subsequent internal incident investigation, the BOC introduced a number of procedural changes to minimise the risk of any similar incidents occurring.
However, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service – responsible for the prosecution of crime in Scotland and the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths stated that an FAI will be held into the circumstances surrounding Lisa’s death.
Audrey Paterson, director of professional policy, commented: “The illness and death of Lisa Norris is a tragedy that her family must continue to bear; it is to be hoped that the inquiry will assist them to do so.
“It is also important for all concerned that the inquiry establishes the facts underlying Miss Norris’s death, as well as all lessons that can be learned.”
The date of the inquiry, which will take place in Glasgow, is to be confirmed.
Join now
