An investigation has been launched at Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary where a 70-year-old woman died six weeks after she was ‘dropped’ from an operating table.
Jeanette Shields’ family said she was having surgery to mend a broken hip, which she had sustained while she was at the hospital following a routine operation for gallstones.
Mrs Shields was operated on two days after the fall, and her husband John said after the operation, he had received a call from the infirmary, telling him his wife had unfortunately been ‘dropped’ off the table.
He said they had picked her up and carried out scans on her.
Mr Shields said she had a big bump at the back of her head and had deteriorated before she died, six weeks later.
He claimed he was told there would not be a post-mortem, but said he then pushed for one to be carried out.
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Trust said an investigation had been launched into the incident.
A spokesman added: “Our regulators are aware of the investigation.
“We are unable to comment on ongoing investigations and once it is complete, the findings will be shared with the family and with our regulators in line with normal procedure.
“The outcome of the investigation will also determine any further action that we will need to take. We remain in regular contact with the patient’s family.”
