Case Study: Death Due to Allergy

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A hospital doctor prescribed a medication to a patient known to be allergic to that medication. The patient had a severe reaction and died some seven days later. The cause of death was initially attributed to the giving of the medication. 

The Coroner expressed concerns that the police should be involved to assess whether criminal charges should be laid. The public hospital did not provide the doctor with assistance.

MIPS medico-legal advisors carefully reviewed the case. The true cause of death was readily apparent. Expert pathological review of the post mortem was commissioned, and the true cause of death re-determined. As a result, the police ceased to be involved in the matter.

The doctor was also provided assistance at the coronial inquest, however a complaint was then made by the Coroner to the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC). The doctor was successfully assisted in finally resolving the complaint at HCCC level.

Last revised: December 2007

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