SURGEON’S ERROR

Press, Volume C, Issue 29627, 25 September 1961, Page 16

SURGEON’S ERROR

Mistook Liver For Kidney (N.Z. Press Assn.—Copvnpht) LONDON, Sept. 22. A surgeon. Mr Philip Berry, operated on a woman to remove a kidney. Yesterday he admitted at an inquest that bv mistake he had removed a large part of her liver. The woman later died The “Daily Mail” reported that the woman’s husband. Mr Henry Wilson, of Sheerness. Kent, said after the hearing: "I would like Mr Berry to know there is no ill-feeling over this. It was just one of those things “His job is to save life. He has saved many lives in his time but my wife was one of his few failures.” Mr Berry is consultant sur. geon to the Medwav and Gravesend Hospital Group. Kent. The Coroner. Mr William Harris, told a jury at Minster. Isle of Sheppey, Kent: “There is very little evidence to show that this very experienced surgeon did more than make an extraordinary mistake. “Unless there it evidence of utter recklessness you leave it as accidental death—or the surgeon must be tried for manslaughter. One or the other.” The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.