An inquest heard how Joshua Abbott-Littler died from a sepsis infection due to cross-contamination
05:47, 18 Mar 2026Updated 08:23, 18 Mar 2026
Joshua Abbott-Littler was 20-years-old when he died
A “very talented” young student being treated for cancer at the Christie died from sepsis he likely contracted due to poor hand hygiene at the hospital, a coroner has concluded.
Joshua Abbott-Littler, from Wigan, had been diagnosed with a rare and acute form of leukaemia on June 8 last year. The 20-year-old had been taken to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, in his hometown, after exhibiting “flu-like symptoms” with worsening chest pains, sore throat, tiredness and spontaneous bruising.
Yesterday (March 17), an inquest at Manchester Coroners’ Court was told how he passed away in the early hours of June 26, 2025, at The Christie hospital. The court was told how he contracted an infection due to cross-contamination from “inadequate adherence” to hand hygiene on the ward.
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Coroner Andrew Bridgman was told how Josh was an “intelligent” and “very talented” young man, who enjoyed music, going to gigs and festivals. He was a student at Lancaster University, studying an integrated masters degree in maths, but received a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma in 2023.
He was described as being “fit and well” in the summer after he rang the bell for the “all clear” at The Christie, Manchester in May 2024.
The inquest heard how Joshua was then sadly diagnosed with treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia on June 8 – a rare, aggressive form of leukaemia triggered by undergoing certain cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. He was then re-admitted to The Christie, but died in the early hours of June 26.
The coroner concluded that Joshua died from multiple organ failure caused from sepsis following a bacterial infection which he gained through cross-contamination from another patient on the ward.
His cause of death was split into multiple organ failure, multidrug-resistant sepsis spread through cross-contamination from another patient on the ward, and treatment-induced acute myeloid leukaemia.
However, his diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma was stated to not have directly caused his death.
In the days leading up to Joshua’s death, his condition rapidly worsened, where he also suffered multiple organ failure. An echocardiogram showed that his heart function was severely impaired at 35 per cent compared to the expected 55-60 per cent.
During the evening of June 24 he was taken to the critical care unit at the Christie, and the following day he was put onto specialist antibiotics which are “rarely used in other contexts” after testing positive for CPE (Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales).
Joshua and his younger brother
Following Joshua’s death, there was a PSII (Patient Safety Incident Investigation) report from the NHS trust, where genetic testing confirmed that 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, and thus, contracted via cross-contamination.
The source of the infection was in Joshua’s bloodstream. The report went onto say that 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 that poor compliance of appropriate hand hygiene and control measures including ANTT is “highly likely” to be the cause which introduced the infection into Joshua’s bloodstream.
Joshua showed signs of multiple organ failure which was a consequence of overwhelming sepsis. He then went on a rapid downward trajectory, it was irreversible, and he would not survive this.
The coroner went on to say that 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”. He went onto say that this was one of the more “tragic inquests”, labelling his circumstances of death as “devastating” for the family as he offered his condolences.
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.”
Following his death, Joshua’s family raised money for Young Lives vs Cancer by taking part in a nine-hour walk from Wigan to Southport. The charity supports children with cancer and their families.