'Catastrophic' consequences after oxygen error

A patient in north Wales suffered "catastrophic" consequences when staff didn't connect their oxygen supply correctly.

The Betsi Cadwaladr health board, which was caring for the patient at the time, is investigating and says it was one of a small number of recent similar incidents.

But it refused to say whether the patient died, or to explain what the “catastrophic” consequences were.

It says it is working to improve staff training to avoid similar incidents happening again.

On Tuesday, Wales' health minister Eluned Morgan said the health board still had "a lot to do," before it could be taken out of special measures.

A report to the committee said: “Further patient safety incidents have occurred in the health board related to the preparation and administration of oxygen using portable cylinders.

“On review, the cylinder had not been prepared correctly, resulting in no flow of oxygen to the patient.

“One incident had a catastrophic outcome and is under investigation.”

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Source: BBC News, 20 February 2024