Patient killed after drinking cleaning fluid left in juice jug

A PENSIONER died after hospital staff reportedly gave her cleaning fluid to drink, wrongly thinking it was orange juice.

The poisonous liquid had apparently been left in a water jug on a ward at the NHS Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

Union officials said that a member of staff mistook the orange fluid for juice and poured a glass for the 85-year-old patient.

The victim, who has not been named, received emergency treatment after collapsing but died on September 23. Sussex Police, the NHS and the Care Quality Commission are investigating. Gary Palmer, of the GMB union, said: “Cleaning fluid was decanted into a water jug. The staff member looked inside and thought it was juice. “This is not the individual’s mistake but a failing of the Trust. “They are not giving adequate training to staff, who are under pressure.” Sussex Police said: “The death has been referred to the coroner.” The hospital would not comment amid the police inquiry.

DEATH Hospital