A joint investigation by Essex Police and the Health & Safety Executive has been launched following the death of a patient at Basildon University Hospital.
The investigation was instigated after police were contacted by the Health & Safety Executive on Monday, August 22 after a patient died at the hospital on Saturday, August 20.
A post-mortem examination was carried out on Tuesday, August 23 and a provisional result showed that the patient died from pneumonia. However, further tests are now being conducted to establish a precise cause of death.
A spokesperson for Basildon and Thurrock hospital said: “The hospital had already started an investigation after the patient was diagnosed with the infection during the previous week and had informed the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
“Following the patient’s death at the weekend, HM Coroner for Essex and Thurrock ordered a post mortem to determine the cause of death and Essex Police has launched a joint investigation with the HSE.”
