A businessman named a listeria victim after an outbreak

A businessman was named as one of the victims of the listeriosis outbreak in British hospitals.

Ian Hitchcock, 52, is believed to have died after eating a contaminated sandwich while he was at the Royal Derby Hospital, one would have said.

He was admitted on May 15 after being diagnosed with liver cancer the previous week.

Mr. Hitchcock's family stated that he was subsequently diagnosed with listeria and then transferred to the Nottingham City Hospital, where he died on June 8th.

The Derby Coroner's Court has confirmed that the investigation into Hitchcock's death was scheduled to begin Thursday in the city.

The family said in a statement: "Ian's family is clearly very upset at the time and would like to ask to be allowed to mourn confidentially".

Mr. Hitchcock of Matlock, Derbyshire, ran a family-owned transport business with his brother and was the father of two 19-year-old twin sons.

His 54-year-old brother Alan had previously told the Times newspaper, "When he entered the hospital, I thought he'd be back soon to work." I did not think he would die because of the food. "

Five people are believed to have died after eating sandwiches and prepackaged salads related to the same supplier, The Good Food Chain.

Earlier this week, the NHS identified Derby and Burton University Hospitals as one of the hospital trusts affected by the death of a patient.

Two deaths also occurred at the NHS Foundation Trust at the University of Manchester, one at the NHS Foundation Trust at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool and the other at the NHS Trust at University Hospitals of Leicester.

Three other trusts had diagnosed outbreak-related listeriosis cases without killing – two at the NHS Foundation Trust at Western Sussex Hospital, a case at the NHS Foundation of Frimley Health and one at the NHS Foundation Trust in the United States. East Kent Hospitals.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock had previously warned that there would be "serious consequences" if there was evidence of "wrongdoing" following the listeriosis outbreak. .

The good food chain, which provides 43 NHS trusts in the UK as well as an independent supplier, has voluntarily stopped production and Public Health England (PHE) said the outbreak investigation continued.

The company supplied meat produced by North Country Cooked Meats, which has since tested positive for the epidemic strain of listeria and has also stopped production.

Listeria infection is rare and usually causes mild illness in healthy people.

However, this can have more serious consequences for people with pre-existing health problems, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

PHE emphasized that the risk to public health remains low and that people should consult a doctor only if they develop symptoms.