Patient's death probed (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Patient's death probed

1:21pm Thursday 5th June 2008 in Local By Claire Lomax

Police are investigating the death of a pensioner at a hospital after he was allegedly given the wrong drug medication.

George Pickard, 71, of Horsforth, was recovering from a hip replacement operation at Leeds General Infirmary, but died unexpectedly on Sunday.

Relatives say they have been told a nurse mistakenly gave him drugs destined for another patient.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out and now detailed toxicology tests are being carried out.

Mr Pickard was a musician who lived with his partner in Horsforth. He was divorced and had one daughter.

A spokesman for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We would like to offer Mr Pickard's family our deepest condolences at this time.

"The coroner is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Pickard's death and we are co-operating fully with this. Until this investigation is complete we are unable to comment.

"We will keep Mr Pickard's family fully informed."

In a statement West Yorkshire Police said: "The coroner has referred the death of a patient at Leeds General Infirmary to police and we are looking into the matter."