Inquest told of 'wrong' nebulizer

David Levenie was transferred to Leicester for specialist treatment

An inquest has heard how a premature baby died after the wrong tube was fitted onto a device in his throat.

Leicester Coroner's Court heard that four-month-old David Levenie died after the wrong nebulizer tube was used to help him breathe.

The nurse who inserted the equipment told the inquest that she was not aware of a warning about its use.

The baby died in September 2002 after the nebulizer allowed air into his lungs, but it was not able to escape.

'Not told'

The baby was born 11 weeks premature in Kettering, weighing 2lbs 10oz, and was transferred to Leicester for specialist treatment.

He died on 7 September 2002 a the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

We don't trust the medical profession in any way, not even our own doctor Alex Levenie, father

The inquest heard that the baby had breathing difficulties and a tracheotomy was performed to allow him to breathe.

But the wrong nebulizer was inserted and air was not able to escape from his lungs.

Nurse Heidi Arnold told the inquest that she did not realise that the nebulizer was inappropriate when she fitted it.

Nine months before he died, a warning had been sent to all health trusts in England from the Medical Devices Agency, warning about the inappropriate use of nebulizers and the risks of harm if they are not correctly connected.

One baby had already died in similar circumstances to David Levenie.

Leicestershire NHS Trust told the inquest that it did not send on the warnings about the use of the nebulizers to the neo-natal unit.

Outside the hearing, the baby's father Alex Levenie said: "I haven't got much to say on the medical profession any more.

"We don't trust them in any way, not even our own doctor."

The case continues.