A HOSPITAL worker has died after contracting a fatal infection in an incident described as “catastrophic”.
The death of a member of staff, which took place over the past year, is being investigated by Nottingham University Hospital (NUH) after a major mix-up.
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Hospital worker dies after catastrophic mix-up in NottinghamCredit: Joseph Raynor/Nottingham Post
The trust, which runs Queen’s Medical Center and Nottingham City Hospital, said it could not determine whether an employee contracted chickenpox in the workplace, but said a member of staff worked in a “higher risk area”.
NUH admitted that while they initially believed the staff member had been immunized against the viral infection, their information was in fact incorrect.
Chickenpox is a mild disease, but it can be fatal in very rare cases, especially in immunocompromised people, pregnant women or babies.
NUH described it as a “tragic event” and said it had drawn up an improvement plan to address “gaps in the system”.
The incident was included in the trust’s annual health and safety report for 2023/24, which was put before the committee on September 12.
It is categorized as a “catastrophic” incident in the reporting system.
“A catastrophic incident involving the death of a staff member who contracted Varicella (chicken pox),” the report said.
“Although a clear causal link to the work or community acquisition could not be established; the staff member’s vaccination records indicated that the individual had been vaccinated, which was incorrect.
“As the member of staff was working in a higher risk location, the decision was made to report the incident under RIDDOR.
“A full investigation has been conducted and an improvement plan is being worked on to address the deficiencies in the systems.”
Danielle Petch, Chief Human Resources 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.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
It is understood that an investigation will be carried out into the death.
The incident was the only one categorized as catastrophic under the Injuries, Illnesses and Dangerous Occurrences Reporting Regulation (RIDDOR).
A total of 78 incidents were reported, including three with serious injuries and 45 with moderate injuries.
Incidents related to things like assaulting staff, tripping over objects and slippery floors, and hitting a ceiling hatch.
NUH is required to report RIDDOR incidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), but they said none of them were followed up.
Chicken pox and horrible side effects
An itchy, spotty rash is the most recognizable symptom of chicken pox.
The disease occurs in three stages.
- First stage: small red or pink spots appear anywhere on the body, including inside the mouth and around the genitals, which can be painful
- Second stage: the spots fill with fluid and become blisters that are very itchy and may burst
- Third stage: the spots form a scab
Before or after the rash appears, you may also get:
- High temperature
- Pains and general malaise
- Loss of appetite
Chickenpox will usually go away on its own in one to two weeks without you needing to see your GP.
But you should get advice from 111 if:
- The skin around chickenpox blisters is hot, painful and red – note that redness is more difficult to see on brown or black skin
- Your child has chicken pox and is dehydrated
- Chickenpox symptoms suddenly worsen
- You are pregnant and have not had chicken pox before or are not sure and have been around someone who has chicken pox
- You have a weakened immune system and have been around someone who has chicken pox
- You think your newborn has chicken pox
Complications of chicken pox
Serious complications of chicken pox include:
- Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections in children, including group A streptococcal infections
- Lung infection (pneumonia)
- Infection or swelling of the brain (encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia)
- Bleeding problems (hemorrhagic complications)
- Blood stream infections (sepsis)
- Dehydration
Sources: NHS, CDC
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education