Boy dies after routine operation

Miki McCallum died at Antrim Area Hospital

An independent inquiry is to be held into the death of a County Londonderry boy after a routine appendix operation.

Miki McCallum, 13, was operated on at Antrim Area Hospital on 2 January after having stomach pains. He never regained consciousness and died on Saturday.

Anaesthetic experts from outside the health trust are to investigate the Portstewart boy's death. The coroner is also conducting an inquiry.

His father, Roger, said he had "all the mischievousness" of a typical 13-year-old.

"He was very keen on skateboarding," he said.

"He had his own little group, he was the drummer in the group.

We have strangers coming up to us in the streets and hugging us. Roger McCallum Father

"Indeed, some of the neighbours will say that at times he would have been creating quite a bit of noise. He generally enjoyed himself."

Miki, who was also a keen skier, was admitted to hospital just after Christmas.

Mr McCallum said: "To look at your child at the age of 13, breathing in a coma, and then not breathing at all, is very, very disturbing.

"It is something that will never leave you."

The United Hospitals Trust said there would be an independent investigation.

It has approached the Regional Speciality Advisor for Anaesthetics to nominate experts from outside the trust and has also referred the case to the coroner who will undertake his own investigation.

Mr McCallum said the family had been strengthened by support from the local community.

"We have strangers coming up to us in the streets and hugging us.

"We are perfectly happy to talk to anybody. That is part of the coping process," he said.