A PATIENT at the Royal Bolton Hospital died after he was given the wrong drug in an intravenous drip.

Craig Richardson, aged 39, died after a nurse gave him the wrong medication.

Mr Richardson, of Kershaw Street, Tyldesley, became unconsciousness and died despite efforts by medical staff to save him.

The nurse at the centre of the incident was suspended but since been reinstated after an investigation by hospital chiefs.

Mr Richardson's family is waiting for the full facts to be revealed at an inquest on October 3.

Detectives were called in to investigate his death but no criminal proceedings have been taken.

It is believed an intravenous drip was filled with the wrong fluid while Mr Richardson was undergoing medical tests for a long standing illness on a ward at the Minerva Road hospital.

He is understood to have been admitted after suffering sudden weight loss.

A inquest was opened within days of his death and evidence of identification was provided by his family. It was then adjourned for further evidence to be obtained.

Det Chief Insp Paul Buchanan of Bolton Central CID said: "There were no criminal proceedings taken in the light of the post mortem examination which was inconclusive.

"We are also aware that there was an investigation at the hospital."

A spokesman for the Royal Bolton Hospital said: "We can confirm that a nurse was suspended following the death of one of our patients.

"A thorough, internal inquiry has been held and the trust is fully satisfied that this was a single, isolated incident.

"We have kept the patient's family fully informed and they have our deepest sympathy.

"It is for the coroner to investigate the cause of death and we do not want to prejudice that by commenting further at this stage.

"We will issue a full statement following the inquest."