Neither doctor checked Wayne's drugs charts, neither appears to have read correctly the descriptions on the labels

Paul Balen, solicitor

Dr David Morton, a junior doctor with only five weeks' experience on the ward, asked Dr Feda Mulhem, a registrar of three days' experience, to supervise him in giving the drug.

As a result of errors at the QMC, the drugs to be administered into the 18-year-old's spine and those for his vein arrived at the ward together.

The Jowett family solicitor Paul Balen, said: "Neither doctor checked Wayne's drugs charts, neither appears to have read correctly the descriptions on the labels of the syringes and the warnings.

"As a result, Wayne received into his spine an injection of Vincristine, which should have been given into his vein the following day."

The teenager died about a month later, suffering a slow and creeping paralysis of his body.

Professional reprimand

The hospital admitted liability for the error and has reached a confidential settlement with the family.

It followed the presentation of a claim for trespass and negligence and for breaches of the Human Rights Act.

Mr Balen said the family had decided to settle in view of the size of the hospital's offer.

The two doctors were both suspended from duty following the blunder and Dr Morton was reprimanded by the General Medical Council (GMC).

A spokesman for the QMC said: "We are happy that the claim for damages has been resolved to the satisfaction of Wayne's family."