Man dies in routine operation shock

Wayne Mallinson with his partner Terri

An investigation is under way following the death of a 35-year-old man during a routine operation at the the Royal Oldham Hospital following an industrial accident at a steel works.

Wayne Mallinson’s arm was cut deeply while unloading steel from the back of a truck. When Mr Mallinson went for a routine operation later that day, he suffered heart problems and died while being anaesthetised.

The incident, on the morning of 6 July, occurred when steel beams were being unloaded at Dunkerley Steel. One fell and trapped Mr Mallinson’s arm before colleagues lifted it off. Mr Mallinson, from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital and died that afternoon.

The incident was passed to the coroner, who opened an inquest on Thursday. The incident is also being investigated by Greater Manchester Police’s major incident team and the Health and Safety Executive.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: “We are aware of the incident and enquiries are ongoing.”

Wayne’s funeral was being held today at Dewsbury Crematorium.

John Dunkerley, managing director of Dunkerley Steel, said: “This is a tragedy for the family and for everyone who knew Wayne. He had worked for the company for 15 years and had a very bright future ahead of him in this business.

“We have closed Dunkerley Steel for the day and the whole staff will be going to the funeral in Dewsbury to pay our respects.”

Dad Brian Mallinson (66) said: “We’re just getting through day by day. That’s all you can really do."

A keen traveller, Wayne had visited America three times and also had a trip to the States planned with wife Terri (30) next year.