Bolton grandad's lungs washed out with cleaning detergent in mix up at Salford Royal Hospital

William Hannah, aged 68, from Bolton, was admitted to Salford Royal Hospital in September last year after being hit by car, suffering from a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures.

While in the hospital, Mr Hannah developed pneumonia and was taken to the critical care unit. His condition continued to worsen, requiring an emergency lung wash-out with saline to improve his breathing.

During the procedure, the doctor requested saline from the healthcare assistant but due to a labelling error, the nursing staff member passed the doctor a bottle of the detergent mixture used to clean equipment.

The doctor then unknowingly used the detergent in the lung.

On discovering the mistake, the doctor began another wash-out of the lung to attempt to remove as much detergent as possible.

Following the procedure Mr Hannah’s condition deteriorated rapidly and he suffered profound cardiovascular collapse.

Mr Hannah died the day after the procedure on September 16.

It is not yet known if the accident contributed to his death.

An internal investigation found that the trolley containing the bronchoscopy equipment had not been fully prepared before the procedure.

The report also cited a lack of formal training, miscommunication, and as reasons for the incident. Further investigations by Salford Royal and the coroner are under way. An inquest will take place at Bolton Coroners Court in February.

One of Mr Hannah’s two children, Lisa Hannah, said: “This was an appalling and unbelievable mistake.

“Our dad didn’t deserve to have this happen to him and that’s why we are trying to ensure that no other families suffer as we have.”

Salford Royal Hospital released a statement. It said: “The review of Mr Hannah’s care at Salford Royal highlighted that he did not receive the high standard of care we always pride ourselves on delivering and we apologise unreservedly to his family for this.

“We have since introduced new measures.”