An urgent probe has been launched at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital following the death of a three-month-old.
Aksharan Sivaruban, who was born with a congenital heart problem, had been due to undergo a hernia repair operation at the hospital on December 12.
Tragically the baby boy died from asphyxia because of a “displaced” breathing tube, according to the results of a provisional post-mortem.
At a hearing at London Inner South Coroner’s Court on Monday January 7, Senior Coroner Andrew Harris did not issue a ‘prevention of future deaths’ report after being reassured that the hospital had taken “all the necessary steps” in response to the tragedy.
Written statements about the events leading up to Aksharan’s death have been taken by St Thomas’ Hospital from sixteen staff who were someway involved in his case.
The News was unable to contact the family for comment.
A Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Aksharan Sivaruban after their tragic loss.
“This was an unexpected death, which has shocked us all deeply.”
The Trust confirmed that an investigation had been urgently launched into the cause of the death at the same time as it was referred to the coroner.
“We referred it to the coroner immediately, in addition to starting our own internal investigation, so that any findings can be acted on as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“We cannot comment any further while the coroner carries out his investigation.”
A full inquest is expected to be heard in August, the coroner’s office told the News.