Baby died of 'accidental overdose'

An inquest into the death of a baby who died after NHS doctors prescribed too high a dose of drugs has recorded a verdict of accidental overdose.

Anna Holzscheiter said her seven-and-a-half month old baby died at Homerton University Hospital in Hackney, east London, "because of a whole series of miscommunication, and miscalculation of drugs between the doctors involved".

According to a police report, the baby, named Lucas, was given between nine and 12 times the recommended dose of a toxic drug for a child of his age and weight. Dr John Coakley, medical director of Homerton hospital, which admitted Lucas last May, apologised in person for the "catastrophic error".