A prominent 68-year-old pathologist died in a tragic hospital incident after medical staff administered the wrong medication, leading to a fatal overdose at West Suffolk Hospital.
Dr Paul Miller, a highly respected consultant histopathologist with over four decades of medical service, was admitted for a routine sigmoidoscopy procedure on August 29, 2023. Following the successful examination, the grandfather-of-three was supposed to receive medication to reverse the effects of sedation.
The Fatal Error
Instead of the intended reversal drug, flumazenil, hospital staff mistakenly administered a powerful sedative - midazolam. This critical error caused Dr Miller to suffer respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by the medical team who recognised their mistake, Dr Miller never regained consciousness. He was transferred to critical care but passed away two days later on August 31.
Distinguished Career Cut Short
Dr Miller had enjoyed an illustrious 41-year career in medicine, serving as a consultant histopathologist at West Suffolk Hospital for 23 years. Colleagues described him as an "incredibly valued and popular member of staff" known for his dedication to patient care.
His expertise was widely recognised, having previously worked at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge and trained at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London.
Coroner's Investigation
Assistant coroner Liam Moss opened the inquest into Dr Miller's death, noting the cause as "respiratory depression and hypoxic brain injury caused by midazolam toxicity."
The coroner emphasised that Dr Miller had been "administered a drug that was not intended for him," highlighting the grave nature of the medication error.
Hospital Response
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr Miller's death. The trust expressed profound condolences to Dr Miller's family and loved ones.
This tragic incident raises serious concerns about medication safety protocols within the NHS and serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of verification processes in healthcare settings.
