Health chiefs have ordered an investigation after a 17-year-old girl bled to death during a routine procedure – to remove her appendix.
Victoria Katie Harrison was admitted to hospital for the simple operation on August 15 this year.
But during the 30-minute operation, she suffered massive internal bleeding when surgeons are understood to have tore a hole in an artery while inserting a micro-camera into her stomach.
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Despite desperate attempts to save her, the apprentice hairdresser died the next day at Kettering General Hospital, Northants.
NHS chiefs have now ordered a probe into her death.
Devastated mum Tracy Foskett took to a Facebook group set up in Victoria’s memory to explain to baffled friends why she had died.
She wrote: “Just to let everyone one know Victoria died of internal bleeding from a tear from the hole they inserted the camera but she did not suffer.”
Tracy, from Wellingborough, Northants., added: “She was such a lovely girl. Everyone called her their best friend. She was loved by so many people and she was so popular.
“We are such a close family. We did so much together. She was my best friend – I even go to call her sometimes now.
“We never went anywhere without each other. Her friends have really helped us.
“I don’t ever want her to be forgotten.”
Over 300 people attended the funeral for Victoria, known as ‘Tor’, when she was laid to rest on September 17.
She was buried in a pink coffin, wearing a beloved ‘onesie’ outfit and holding a Snickers bar her favourite snack.
Kettering General Hospital’s chief executive, Lorene Read, said: “The Trust can confirm it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the unexpected death of a patient following an operation at the hospital on August 15.
“We have been working closely with the family of this patient and with the authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter is made prior to an inquest.
“We cannot comment further at this point.”
A police spokesman said: “An inquest has been opened and adjourned by the coroner and we are waiting for a date to be fixed. An investigation is currently ongoing.”
