Inquiry over coma woman

Bradford Royal Infirmary has begun an investigation

An investigation has begun after allegations that a woman with an allergy to penicillin slipped into a coma after she was given the drug in hospital.

Teresa Innes, 36, has been in a vegetative state in an intensive care unit since 25 September.

It is believed she was mistakenly given the drug at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

It is alleged she was administered a drug containing two forms of penicillin through a drip, despite warnings to staff about her allergy.

It is thought she suffered a massive reaction to the drug, which was given to treat an abscess on her leg.

Warning letter

Marlene Greaves, whom Ms Innes regarded as her mother and is registered as her next-of-kin, said staff were warned repeatedly about her allergy.

She said a doctor on the ward had reassured them both that the condition was noted on Ms Innes' records, which included a letter of warning from her GP.

Mrs Greaves was alerted by a telephone call from the hospital the next morning informing her that Ms Innes was "very poorly".

She said: "It is absolutely horrendous what has happened.

"There has been a slight improvement in her condition over the last few days, but there is nothing that can bring our Teresa back.

"Before this, she was such a lively, outgoing and friendly person. It's all very distressing."

Ms Innes, who has a 17-year-old son, is believed to have suffered an anaphylactic shock, which stopped her heart for a few minutes, resulting in a coma.

A spokesman for Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust said: "An investigation is taking place and we are keeping the family fully informed."