Man dies after skin cream catches fire

The Telegraph ^ | 18/04/2006

[managusta]

An investigation has been launched after a hospital patient died in a fireball after lighting a cigarette while wearing a highly flammable skin ointment.

It is thought the 60-year-old man was having a cigarette on a fire escape near his ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary in South Yorkshire when the tragedy happened yesterday evening.

He was taken to the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield with serious burns but later died from his injuries.

It is understood that hospital staff followed the correct procedures and the incident was being treated as a tragic accident.

Nigel Clifton, chief executive of Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is a most tragic event. Our hearts go out to his family."

The trust said it would not be releasing any further details about the incident.

Officials refused to confirm the skin condition the man was being treated for.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "A 60-year-old-male patient sustained fatal injuries after being involved in a fire at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

"An investigation has taken place, there appears to be no suspicious circumstances. A report will be prepared for the coroner."

A spokesman for the trust added: "An investigation has been launched. Counselling will be made available to staff, patients and family members if required."

[originalbuckeye]

National Health Service. Coming to our country if Hillary is elected in 2008!

[blau993]

You got that right. I called the room I shared with the young Irish guy "Purgatory." He had been there for 2 days. I spent about two hours there, just long enough for the business office to call back to the States and verify that I had blue chip health insurance coverage. I was then whisked off to a private room. For all I know, my young smoker buddy may still be in Purgatory.