Radiation overdose teenager dies

Lisa told of her fears in an interview in February

A 16-year-old cancer patient who was given massive overdoses of radiation earlier this year has died.

Lisa Norris, from Girvan in Ayrshire, received at least 17 overdoses during treatment for a brain tumour at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow.

Sir John Arbuthnott, the chairman of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said everyone was "extremely upset at the sad news".

The cause of Lisa's death is not known at this stage.

She was determined not to give up her fight and she stayed fighting until the end Ken Norris Lisa's father

It is understood that Lisa died at her home in Girvan on Wednesday.

She received the overdoses of radiation therapy during treatment in January, leaving her with burns on the back of her neck and head.

An investigation blamed the mistake on human error.

In the weeks before her death, Lisa had been recovering from surgery to remove fluid from her brain.

'Very special girl'

Lisa's father Ken, 51, told the Daily Record: "She was determined not to give up her fight and she stayed fighting until the end.

"She was our inspiration. She kept us going in many ways."

Her mother Liz said that Lisa would remain in the family's hearts forever, and that she was a "very special girl".

Lisa showed courage and strength at a time when most people would have given up Lyn Glasgow Send us your comments

Lisa was initially diagnosed with a brain tumour in October last year.

She began radiation therapy on 5 January this year.

Staff told her about the error as they delivered news that her tumour had gone.

Lisa had to have extensive oxygen treatment to try to combat the mistake.

"It's just time will tell if anything is going to happen," Lisa said at the time.

Independent investigation

She was visited by Rangers striker Nacho Novo before her death.

A spokeswoman said: "Rangers Football Club are saddened to learn of Lisa's death. Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time."

An independent investigation into the case was launched by the Scottish Executive.

The Beatson is Scotland's largest cancer centre

An executive spokesman said the investigation's findings were in the "final stages of preparation".

Scottish Health Minister Andy Kerr said: "This is deeply saddening news following what has already been a very difficult time for the family.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with them."

Officials said the Norris family would be consulted before the findings of the investigation into Lisa's overdose were published.

Several months after the overdose was given, the Beatson was found to have given a series of other patients radiation overdoses.

Health officials said there had been 46 incidents over the past 20 years where the treatment given was different from what had been planned - and in all but 12 of the cases that treatment had continued.

Dr Michael Williams, vice president and dean of the Faculty of Clinical Oncology, said the cause of Lisa's death had not been confirmed and expressed condolences to her family.

He added: "We are working with patients and other health care professions to identify ways in which processes can be improved to minimise errors.

"We are also seeking to improve checking procedures so that any mistakes can be detected earlier in a course of treatment."