Leicester hospital apologises for baby death

A hospital in Leicestershire has apologised after a baby died from being given incorrect treatment for epilepsy.

Ryan Pitcher, who died in 1997, was given the wrong level of medication by Dr Andrew Holton, who was later found to have misdiagnosed hundreds of children in his career at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Ryan's mother and father were given compensation, although the amount has not been disclosed.

A spokesperson for the hospital said: "Ryan's case was very complex and it was investigated extremely carefully.

"The trust is deeply sorry for what has happened and has made an unreserved apology to Ryan's parents."

The spokesperson added that the trust accepted the medication and treatment of his condition had been "incorrect".

In a report, it was found that the combination of drugs Ryan was being given was known to lead to brain damage and one in particular, sodium valproate, was indirectly responsible for his death.

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