Trust's blunder over dead patient

The trust described the mistake as "unforgivable"

A south Wales NHS Trust has apologised for inviting a woman for eye surgery 18 years after she died.

The Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust has described the error was "unforgivable".

Alice Watts from Aberaman, was waiting for ophthalmic surgery when she died in 1982, at the age of 59.

It is an unforgivable mistake which would cause a lot of pain to any grieving relative

Pensioner Betty Jones

Her 73-year-old sister Betty Jones - who was looking after the former home since her sister's husband died two years ago - was astonished when the letter from the trust arrived.

"When I saw her name on the letter, I wondered 'well, what is this all about'," she said.

"I was very upset to see a letter addressed to Alice after all these years. But it was even worse to see that it was from a hospital asking her is she still wanted opthalmic surgery.

"It is an unforgivable mistake which would cause a lot of pain to any grieving relative."

Apology

The letter explained that the trust was up-dating its records and needed to know if Mrs Watts still required treatment.

The trust has since sent a letter of apology to the family.

Director of corporate affairs Bob Burrows said it was the first time that he had heard of such a mistake in 38 years in the health service.

"We are absolutely devastated by this and have sent our heartfelt apologies to the late patient's family for the distress caused," he said.

"Our internal investigation has show this letter was sent out by mistake and we are seeking ways of ensuring this never happens again."