THE coroner investigating the death of a grandmother given a lethal injection by a student nurse has criticised the university where she was studying.

Christopher Sumner said 91-year-old Edna Alker’s death “was a result of a preventable consequence of a necessary medical procedure”.

Mrs Alker, of Orrell, died in Whiston Hospital after receiving a fatal dose of potassium chloride from Rebecca Riley, a student from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Mr Sumner said he was “surprised” by gaps in Riley’s medical knowledge given she was one week away from completing her three-year nursing course.

During his narrative verdict, he said that Riley had given evidence she had administered the drug before and delivered other injections.

He said: “However, she did state that she did not recall being made aware of the implications of what she was doing.

“She was unaware that an overdose of potassium chloride was potentially fatal.

He added: “I accept that nursing is a practical profession and that much of the training takes place within the work environment.

“However I am surprised to learn that a student with such gaps in her knowledge was allowed to administer drugs intravenously albeit under supervision.”

He said that patients must have confidence in hospital staff and that they work within strict protocols.

A protocol on “Guidelines for Potassium Chloride Supplementation” is maintained by the hospital.

Mr Sumner said: “I have reservations as to whether placing such protocols at the nurses’ station and at each bedside was adequate.

“More than any other factor, I feel that it was the lack of communication which was a major cause in the unfortunate death of this patient.”

Speaking afterwards, Mrs Alker’s daughter, Dr Gill Edwards, said she was “astonished” that a student nurse was allowed to administer lethal drugs.