Compensation and apology for family over young boy’s death
A family whose young son died in 1997 after receiving “incorrect treatment” from the boy’s doctor have received compensation and an apology from a Leicester hospital.
Three-year-old Ryan Pitcher, who was being treated for epilepsy, died after being given the wrong medication by Dr Andrew Holton. An initial investigation could not find a link between the actions of the doctor and Ryan’s death. However his parents pursued a lengthy legal battle and after later investigations, University of Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust admitted liability for its medical negligence.
The report also found that Dr Holton misdiagnosed hundreds of other children during a period of ten years at the hospital.
Simon and Diane Pitcher from Heather, near Coalville, Leicestershire, have now received an compensation, the amount of which has not been disclosed. It is believed that around £3m has been paid by the trust to children incorrectly diagnosed by Dr Holton.
“On the basis of expert evidence, the trust accepts that Ryan’s treatment and medication were incorrect,” a hospital spokesperson said.
“The trust is deeply sorry for what has happened and has made an unreserved apology to Ryan’s parents.”