The pensioner whose healthy kidney was removed by mistake during an operation has died in hospital.

Graham Reeves, 70, had the operation at the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli in west Wales five weeks ago.

He was then moved to the Morriston Hospital in Swansea where surgeons later took out his other kidney in an attempt to save him.

Mr Reeves, a retired power station worker from Burry Port near Llanelli, had remained unconscious in a critical but stable condition in Morriston's intensive care unit.

He was suffering from septicaemia and was only being kept alive by dialysis. He died on Tuesday afternoon.

Swansea NHS Trust later issued a statement saying: "It is with regret that despite the considerable efforts of intensive care surgical and medical staff, Mr Graham Reeves died today.

"The hospital offers its deepest sympathy to the Reeves family and in accordance with their wishes, we will be issuing no further statements, and there will be no interviews with any member of staff."

Two separate investigations are being conducted into the bungled kidney operation.

One of the inquiries into the incident is being carried out by the hospital itself, the other by the Royal College of Surgeons at the request of the National Assembly for Wales.

Carmarthenshire NHS Trust said the reports into operation will not be published on Thursday as planned, as the matter has been referred to the coroner.

Instead Mike Jones, Chief Executive of Carmarthenshire NHS Trust, will read out a statement on Thursday.

Mr Jones said:"We have been determined to establish exactly what happened in order to ensure that such a terrible incident cannot occur again."

Assembly Health Secretary Jane Hutt said: "I am deeply saddened by this news and my thoughts are with Mr Reeves family at this time."

She said she would make a brief statement on Thursday.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they will be asked to investigate all aspects of the matter on behalf of the coroner.

John Roberts, the surgeon in charge of the operation, has remained on leave pending the outcome of these investigations.

He has sent his condolences to Mr Reeves's family, through the Medical Defence Union.

Mr Roberts said: "I am very sorry to hear about Mr Reeves's death and would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

"My thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

"I have been deeply saddened by the events of the last few weeks and am still trying to come to terms with all that has happened."