Cancer error boy 'has no sign of ill-effects'

A BOY who was given chemotherapy for three days before doctors discovered he did not have cancer is showing no signs of lasting ill-effects to his health, a hospital said yesterday, writes Judy Jones.

The patient at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham is so far known only to have suffered hair loss. Dr Bernard Crump, director of public health for South Birmingham Health Authority, said he was being treated for an infection.

Dr Crump also disclosed that the pathologist at the centre of the mistaken diagnosis, Carol Starkie, has multiple sclerosis, although there was 'no evidence to suggest that her condition and the error are necessarily linked'. Dr Starkie has apologised to the family for the error. She has been on sick leave since the mistake came to light on 24 May.

Pressures that lead to errors, page 20