Inquiry call into burns victim's death

Mr Martin was first taken to St James's Hospital

A seriously injured burns victim died after enduring a 75-mile journey and being turned away by four hospitals.

Richard Martin died at Nottingham City Hospital on Saturday - three days after a fire at his home in Seacroft, Leeds.

The 53-year-old was taken to St James's Hospital in Leeds on Wednesday but doctors decided he needed specialist intensive care treatment.

But the specialist burns unit at Pinderfields Hospital, in Wakefield was full and hospitals in Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool were also unable to offer him a bed.

I think questions need to be asked about capacity in our hospitals here for seriously ill burns victims

George Mudie MP

He was then found a place at Nottingham were he was taken on the 75-mile journey from Leeds.

However, he died there three days later.

Now Leeds East MP George Mudie has called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Mr Martin's death.

He said it was not clear whether Mr Martin's transfer contributed in any way to his death but added: "I would certainly support the family with any questions they had and whether it had any effect on his treatment.

"I am concerned that he had to be taken to Nottingham in the first place.

"I think questions need to be asked about capacity in our hospitals here for seriously ill burns victims."

A spokeswoman for St James's Hospital confirmed units in Manchester, Sheffield and Liverpool were full at the time.