Hospital boss admits scan errors

Jenna Leser and Lauren Simmons died within months of each other

A Kent hospital boss has admitted mistakes were made after two teenagers died from brain haemorrhages.

Lauren Simmons, 17, died in May 2005 at Medway Maritime Hospital and Jenna Lester, 16, in February 2006. Neither had a CT scan in time to save her life.

"In the two cases compensation was paid, so that is an acknowledgement that some things do go wrong," said chief executive Andrew Horne.

He said the hospital was bringing a second CT scanner into use this year.

It was also investing an extra £1.5m into Accident and Emergency over the next three years.

BBC South East reported on Jenna's death on 5 January.

'Brought anger back'

Lauren's parents contacted the BBC after seeing the report to talk about their own daughter's death in similar circumstances nine months earlier.

"After hearing that it happened again and the hospital hasn't learnt their lesson, it has just brought all the anger back," said her mother Jane.

Mr Horne said on Wednesday: "People do make mistakes.

"Sometimes the system overwhelms (them) and part of my challenge is to make sure that staff are supported... and that we improve the systems."

He said the recommendations made by the Healthcare Commission after Lauren's death had been implemented.

Hospital watchdog, the Medway Local Involvement Network, said it believed lessons had been learned.

"There has been investment in CT scanning and A&E services... so that is reassuring," said spokesman Graham Hills.

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Andrew Horne said that people do make mistakes