Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital Investigates Errors of Wrong Blood Type on Transfusion

Hospital managers confirmed they were investigating how the two incidents happened and said providing safe care was their "top priority".

The incidents are categorized by the Department of Health as “never events” because they are so serious they should never happen.

Using the wrong blood type in a transfusion can harm or even kill a patient.

Possible reactions include an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR), when the immune system reacts to the donated blood and begins attacking the blood cells.

The second error was giving a patient an unnecessary angiogram. Angiograms are an invasive test where dye is injected directly into the heart's arteries.

It is important that there is an investigation and any lessons are learned so there is not a recurrence”

Chief nurse Em Wilkinson-Brice said: "Providing safe care is our top priority. We are currently investigating two incidents and are in touch with both families."

A spokesman said: "Never events are by definition always a matter of concern and it is important that there is an investigation and any lessons are learned so there is not a recurrence."

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