After receiving cancer treatment at the Christie, a young student described as “very talented” passed away from sepsis believed to have stemmed from inadequate hand hygiene practices at the hospital, according to a coroner’s investigation.
The deceased, Joshua Abbott-Littler, hailing from Wigan, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia on June 8 the previous year. Initially presenting with flu-like symptoms, chest pains, sore throat, fatigue, and unexplained bruising, the 20-year-old sought treatment at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in his hometown.
On June 26, 2025, Joshua tragically succumbed to the infection at the Christie hospital, with the court revealing that the source of the infection was likely cross-contamination due to lapses in hand hygiene protocols on the ward.
Described as an intelligent and talented individual with a passion for music and academic pursuits, Joshua was pursuing an advanced degree in mathematics at Lancaster University. However, his health took a downturn when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023.
Despite initially being declared cancer-free after treatment at The Christie in May 2024, Joshua was later diagnosed with treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia, a severe condition triggered by certain cancer therapies. His subsequent readmission to The Christie culminated in his untimely demise due to sepsis-induced multiple organ failure resulting from bacterial contamination.
Joshua’s official cause of death was attributed to organ failure, drug-resistant sepsis, cross-contamination, and the aggressive leukaemia, with his prior lymphoma diagnosis deemed unrelated to his passing.
In the days leading up to his death, Joshua’s health deteriorated rapidly, leading to irreversible multiple organ failure and severe sepsis. Despite efforts to treat him with specialized antibiotics, his condition worsened until his passing.
A subsequent investigation revealed that genetic testing confirmed the bacteria strain responsible for Joshua’s infection was shared with another patient, indicating a likely case of cross-contamination. The report emphasized the importance of strict adherence to hand hygiene protocols to prevent such incidents.
Coroner Bridgman concluded that although Joshua’s cancer treatment played a role in his condition, the primary factor in his death was the hospital’s failure to adhere to proper sanitization practices. The coroner extended condolences to Joshua’s family, acknowledging the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing.
Following Joshua’s demise, his family honored his memory by raising funds for Young Lives vs. Cancer through a charity walk, aiming to support children battling cancer and their families during difficult times. The Christie NHS Foundation Trust expressed deep regret for the incident and outlined enhanced infection control measures to ensure patient safety in the future.
