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BBC reporter Yvonne Hall
'Overdose led to pensioner's death'
 real 28k

Tuesday, 21 March, 2000, 13:47 GMT
Mystery prescription 'killed patient'
prescription form
It is claimed a prescription was forged
An inquest into the death of an elderly cancer patient has heard that she died from an overdose of powerful chemotherapy drugs.

But the pensioner's consultant told the inquest that he had no idea who had authorised the treatment.

Two staff at North Middlesex Hospital in London - a receptionist and a nurse - were suspended following the death of 78-year-old Gladys Burrell, of Dagenham, Essex.


North Middlesex Hospital
Staff were suspended from North Middlesex Hospital
Hornsey Coroners Court heard that Miss Burrell died in October last year after receiving powerful chemotherapy drugs.

The drugs weakened her body and left her unable to fight infections.

The prescription had been signed, but not by Miss Burrell's doctor, the inquest jury heard.

She was initially treated at the King George Hospital in Redbridge, before being transferred to the North Middlesex.

A spokesman for the North Middlesex said changes had been made to how drugs are given to patients.

The jury recorded a verdict of misadventure.

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28 Feb 00 | Health
Forgery inquiry into NHS death
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