Following an inquest that found that Rinse FM resident DJ Alex T was given substandard care before his death, the NHS trust in Leeds has issued his family an apology. After his death, his family has called for more awareness of meningitis, the illness that precipitated his tragic death in early 2020.

After an inquest found that the DJ had been transferred between two hopsitals without a nurse escort, as well as being given substandard handover notes, the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has issued the family an apology. Chief medical officer at the trust, Dr Phil Wood, said: “I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Alexander’s family and apologise that the care he received was not to the standard we would expect.”

Alex T, full name Alex Theodossiadis, passed away on the 28th of January 2020. He suffered from meningitis and sepsis, as well as enduring a subdural haemorrhage in hospital. A Rinse FM resident, he also worked at Tribe Records, one of the most highly-regarded record shops in Leeds and the UK at large, an integral part of Leeds’ electronic music scene. He was a well-known member of the scene, known for his passion and dedication to the electronic music scene. He recieved many tributes from members in the scene and beyond, including Paul Woolford, Minor Science, and Mor Elian; shortly after the announcement of his death, Bruce dedicated a night on his Get Loose! radio show to Alex T.

Kevin McLoughlin, the coroner, said he would write two “prevention of further deaths” reports in conclusion to the case, as well as a letter to the Royal College of General Practicioners containing advice on how to care for those with meningitis for GPs.  The parents of Alex T expressed satisfaction with the coroner’s narrative, as well as his dedication to future action for meningitis sufferers. This is despite the mother arguing that “Alex was a victim” of poor care and poor communication in hospital.

Professor Sue Theodossiadis, Alex T’s mother and medical professional, said: “The coroner picked up that there is a need for [GP] receptionists to ask questions and help people to disclose what they need to disclose and triage them to get urgent appointments. I think that’s a positive.”

The inquest and apology provide some much-needed closure to Alex’s passing after nearly two years of uncertainty, though he will be sorely missed in the electronic scene.