Police probe into hospital death

An internal review was carried out by the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust immediately following the death of the 55-year-old Hertfordshire man who was being treated for cancer.

The trust also called on independent specialists from the Royal College of Surgeons to carry out a review of the case.

The findings of both reviews are now with the police.

We understands the review was launched after the man underwent surgery which included the removal of a kidney.

Complications set in soon after the operation, and the man, who has not been named, died on May 1.

Trust spokesman Mark Purcell said: "Following the receipt of the Royal College of Surgeons report, the surgeon was allowed to continue his work and has not been suspended. He's on leave at the moment."

The police will be interviewing members of the surgical team and staff who cared for the man.

In a statement, the trust said both the trust and staff were cooperating fully with the police and the Essex Coroner's office. The trust is also keeping the General Medical Council fully appraised of the case.

The trust's statement added: "The trust has been in constant contact with the family of the patient and has offered its sincere condolences."

An inquest into the man's death has been opened and adjourned.

Essex Police said it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man who had undergone pre-planned surgery at the hospital and subsequently died.

The police statement added: "The family of the man have been informed of the police investigation and have been offered the support of a family liaison officer.

"The NHS Trust involved is cooperating fully with the police while this review is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment further."

Spokesman Roger Grimwade said it was expected the investigation would be a "drawn out inquiry" as information obtained by the police would then have to be analysed by medical experts.