Last updated on September 27th, 2023 at 11:46 am
Cassie Parker
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It is caused by the immune system overreacting to an infection and damaging the body’s own tissues and organs. The most common symptoms of sepsis are:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain, fever
- Passing no urine all day
- Severe breathlessness
- Feeling like you’re going to die
- Mottled or discoloured skin
The advice states that you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Sepsis is treatable if prompt treatment is provided. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and delay in treatment can result in organ failure and death.
The World Sepsis Organisation is a global initiative set up in 2012 to raise awareness of sepsis. More information about the organisation can be found on its website – About — World Sepsis Day – September 13
Our experienced team is currently dealing with a very sad case involving a delay in diagnosis and treatment of a patient who called 999 and 111 for treatment and whose condition was sadly dismissed.
Gary Hughes called 999 on the 19th December 2020. He reported severe lower back pain, a fever, and shivering, which were symptoms of sepsis, but he was denied an ambulance. 111 also dismissed his concerns and did not refer Mr Hughes for further treatment. Two days later, Mr Hughes was admitted to hospital after suffering from two convulsions and slurred speech. He was found to have sepsis caused by bacterial endocarditis. He had also suffered a stroke. Despite undergoing cardiac surgery, Mr Hughes suffered from multiple organ failure and sadly passed away on 6 February 2021. An inquest into his death found that, had an ambulance been sent when the 999 call was initially made, Mr Hughes would have survived.
Mr Hughes’ son spoke with The Telegraph on 9th September 2023 about this sad case. A link to the article can be found here:
The claim is being handled by Cassie Parker in our medical negligence team, who can be contacted on 0114 272 9184.
