Probe to be held into death of cancer patient Lisa Norris from radiation

Published on Thursday 30 July 2009 15:50

AN inquiry is to be held into the death of a teenage cancer patient who was given massive overdoses of radiation.

Lisa Norris, from Girvan, Ayrshire, died in October 2006 aged 16 after being given 19 radiation overdoses at the Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow. She was being treated for a brain tumour.

She had been diagnosed with the tumour in October 2005 but was given radiation doses that were cumulatively 58% higher than they should have been. It left her with burns on the back of her neck and head.

Post-mortem results revealed the cause of death as recurrent pinealblastoma, a type of brain cancer.

But last year her parents Ken and Liz Norris said they were launching a legal action against NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which they claim failed in their duty of care.

They claim that Lisa's treatment had to be interrupted because of the overdoses and they have an expert witness linking this directly to her death.

Lawyer Cameron Fyfe said the family has received a letter from the Crown Office saying there will be a fatal accident inquiry (FAI).

Mr Norris said there were questions that need to be answered by an inquiry.

He said: "We believe that the NHS broke health and safety rules and laws.

"We just try to live day to day but it has been difficult."

Mr Fyfe added: "They believe that Lisa would have survived had it not been for the overdose of radiation and are aware that the inquiry will fully explore this point in particular.

"We are currently proceeding with an action for damages in the Court of Session but that may have to be halted to await the outcome of the FAI."

It is likely to be held next year, he said.