AN investigation has been launched after a health trust sent a letter to a man who died more than a year ago.

NHS North East Essex has apologised after Norman Betchley, who died at Colchester General Hospital in April 2009, was included in its plans for a patient database.

Mr Betchley, 82, from Fingringhoe, died after being given a pill and water by a nurse – even though he was not allowed to eat and drink.

Daughter Linda Betchley, 56, was horrifed when she saw the letter which said her late father’s records were to be uploaded onto the NHS database.

She said learning his death had not been properly recorded added insult to injury.

She added: “I was absolutely horrified when I received it and I’m absolutely furious about it now.

“It’s ludicrous, as it is information that is at least 12 months out of date.

“If he had died in the last few weeks or even in the last few months, I would have accepted it. But he died a year ago.

“If I hadn’t brought it to their attention, I would imagine he would be on that new database.

“It’s another sign of incompetence.

“After what happened to my father, I already have the impression NHS staff just don’t communicate with each other.”

She said the letter had also strengthened her objection to the plans for a patient database.

She added: “If they can’t check they have something as basic as this right, what hope do they have of managing a patient database and protecting it from identity fraud or mistakes when the data is being put on there?

“I think it’s a waste of money.”

John Henry, head of the summary care record project board at NHS North East Essex, apologised for the error and added: “Some 270,000 summary care record information packs have been sent out to patients, aged 16 and above, across north-east Essex.

“While every effort is made to ensure all data is correct and up to date, clearly on this particular occasion, a record somewhere has not been updated and we are now investigating to see how and where this discrepancy occurred.”