A “VERY talented” young student, 20, died after he contracted sepsis from “inadequate hospital hygiene”.
tragically passed away in the early hours of June 26 at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
A coroner concluded there had been ‘inadequate’ hand hygiene at The Christie Hospital in ManchesterCredit: Alamy
Joshua Abbott-Littler, 20, tragically died after contracting sepsis in June 2025Credit: younglivesvscancer.org
The youngster, from Wigan, had been diagnosed with a rare and acute form of on June 8.
Josh, an “intelligent” Lancaster University student studying a masters in maths, was initially diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023.
But he rang the “all clear” bell at The Christie in May 2024 and was described as “fit and well”.
The inquest heard Josh was then tragically diagnosed with treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia in June the following year.
It had been triggered by undergoing other cancer treatments including chemotherapy.
An inquest at Manchester Coroners’ heard he was undergoing treatment at The Christie when he contracted sepsis as a result of “inadequate adherence” to hand hygiene.
Joshua’s condition had rapidly worsened in the days before his death.
An echocardiogram showed that his heart function was severely impaired at 35 per cent compared to the expected 55-60 per cent.
He was transferred to the critical care unit on June 24 and put onto specialist antibiotics the following day.
Coroner Bridgman concluded Josh died from multiple organ failure due to sepsis caused by a bacterial infection, spread by cross-contamination, as well as treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia.
Following Joshua’s death, there was a PSII (Patient Safety Incident Investigation) report from the NHS trust.
Genetic testing confirmed the strain of bacteria which had caused Josh to be admitted into the critical care unit was the same as another patient on the ward.
The report stated staff members must use an aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT), which is used to prevent microorganisms from hands, surfaces or equipment being introduced into a susceptible (key) site such as an intravenous device, urinary catheter or wound.
In Joshua’s case this was a PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter).
The report added poor compliance of appropriate hand hygiene and control measures including ANTT is “highly likely” to be how the infection entered Joshua’s bloodstream.
The Christie accepted cross-contamination and that there were lapses of infection control and prevention.
Coroner Bridgman concluded that although Joshua’s death was reported as resulting from the treatment from previous cancer, that was “overtaken by the inadequate adherence to antiseptic techniques”.
WHAT IS ACUTE MYELOID LEUKAEMIA?
ACUTE myeloid leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system's white blood cells.
The causes of the disease are not well understood and it usually cannot be prevented. Previous chemotherapy, exposure to radiation or smoking could raise the risk.
It is a rare type of cancer and affects around 3,100 people each year in the UK, and 2,700 people die from it annually.
AML is an aggressive form of cancer and often needs urgent treatment with chemotherapy and possibly a bone marrow transplant.
Symptoms of the disease include:
- Paleness
- Concerning tiredness or weakness
- Often feeling breathless for no reason
- Getting regular infections
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unexplained bleeding and/or bruising
Source: NHS
A spokesperson for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said: “We offer our sincere condolences to Joshua’s family.
“The safety of our patients is The Christie’s highest priority, and we have stringent infection control measures in place across all our services.
“Following this incident, we have carried out a thorough review and have already implemented further improvements to strengthen our infection prevention practices to ensure we provide the safest possible care to all our patients.
“Our thoughts remain with Joshua’s family at this difficult time, and we are deeply sorry for their loss.”
‘TRULY MISSED’
Joshua’s family raised money for Young Lives vs Cancer by taking part in a nine-hour walk from Wigan to Southport.
In a tribute, his family wrote: “Josh was a student at Lancaster University, earning a place after receiving exceptional results in his GCSEs and A Levels.
“He was a brilliant big brother to Fred and Bobby and had a real love for gaming and music. He played guitar and sang, travelling to gigs as often as he could.
“Josh was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma during his first year of university and had chemotherapy and proton beam therapy at the Christie.
“Josh went into remission and rang the bell in May 2024 and finished his first year at university. Josh then fell ill during his second year at university, he was diagnosed with leukaemia and due to contracting an infection during his stay in hospital, Josh sadly passed away.
“Josh never complained and took it all in his stride with a smile on his face.
“Josh will be truly missed by all his friends and family.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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