A MAN died after developing an antibiotics-resistant infection foll-owing a routine procedure at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, an inquest heard.

Desmond Hulland, from Bournemouth, underwent a successful fourth procedure to remove his gallstones using an endoscope (ERCP) on November 13 last year.

However, later that day, he developed sepsis caused by a beta-lactamase E. coli infection, and his condition worsened. The next day he died of multiple organ failure.

Deputy Dorset coroner Brendan Allen heard that the 73-year-old had told his wife he was “perfectly fit and well” before his third ERCP on November 12.

His widow, Linda, pictured with Mr Hulland, told the inquest: “We had recently been on holiday and he had been feeling extremely well.

“He said ‘I don’t know why I’m here. I feel better than I have for months’.”

However, both consultant Raymond McCrudden and interventional radiologist Clare Bent, told the inquest the procedure was essential.

Dr McCrudden said the third treatment was regarded as a success, but he decided to go ahead with a fourth after tests showed Mr Hulland’s bile duct had become blocked again overnight.

He said he believed this stirred up a dormant bacterial infection.

“I can’t say for certain where the infection might have come from,” he added.

“It was rare but over the last 20 years has become more common, especially in Asia, and it is increasingly recognised in people who travel abroad.

“I don’t think he got it as a result of the procedure.”

Mr Hulland, who had two children and two step-children, had an operation in August last year to remove his gall bladder, as well as two other failed attempts to remove the gall stones via an ERCP.

The deputy coroner recorded a narrative verdict, saying: “Desmond Hulland died as a result of a recognised complication of a necessary medical procedure.”

Mr Hulland’s family made a statement thanking their legal team and the coroner, as well as the nurses who cared for him.

“We will continue making further enquiries as we want to know the truth about what happened,” they said.