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Three patients suffered heart and breathing problems during minor surgery after being given an unlicensed drug preparation.

The three patients had minor operations on the same day at Ysbyty Gwynedd - a hospital in Bangor in April 2003.

They were expected to be discharged by the end of the day.

Two of the patient suffered severe complications as a result of the solution - Moffett's Solution - which is a commonly used preparation made by medical staff.

It contains a mixture of cocaine and adrenaline.

One man's reaction was so severe that he was admitted to intensive care.

The Public Service Ombudsman for Wales has upheld complaints by all three patients.

North West Wales NHS Trust said it was taking professional advice and would consider the report.

Moffet's solution is an unlicensed preparation, but one which is routinely used in a number of UK NHS trusts. Its use is considered controversial.

The ombudsman's report concludes that the solution had been responsible for bringing about the patients' adverse reactions.

The director of the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries said that it was not unknown for unlicensed drugs to be used to treat patients.

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