Sepsis deaths: Two inquests conclude on same day highlighting ineffective care

The Coroner investigating the death of 22-year-old William Hewes from meningococcal sepsis has held there were significant failings in the management of William's care including delays in his receiving antibiotics.

It was only after repeated concerns raised by William's mother Dr Burns, a senior paediatrician at the hospital that it was discovered that antibiotics had not been given, and they were then administered.

Senior Coroner for north London Mary Hassell has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths Report to the Homerton, saying the Trust's work on improving sepsis care that has occurred since William's death should be shared nationally. She said that if such a death could happen at the Homerton, it could happen elsewhere.

Having listened to two expert witnesses who disagreed as to whether William's life would have been saved had antibiotics been administered sooner, the Coroner said she was unclear as to whether if he had been administered all appropriate treatment promptly, his life would have been saved.

Dr Ron Daniels from Head of UK Sepsis Trust advising the family had told the Coroner that he believed William's life would have been saved had antibiotics and other treatment been given earlier. He was a fit, young man with no co-morbidities.

Deborah Nadel representing the family said it was vital that the serious errors in care identified during the inquest are discussed and acknowledged so that lessons are not learnt, 'otherwise nothing changes'.

 'What has been clear throughout this hearing is that recognising and treating sepsis efficiently must be a priority so that more people don't die,' she said.  

Read the full story in The Metro

Jury verdict at Bolton Coroner's Court

Meanwhile, Jenny Urwin from Fieldfisher's Manchester office, represented a family at an inquest into a death by sepsis. A narrative verdict was also delivered today at Bolton Coroner's Court by the jury investigating the death of Andrew Martin, well known locally as the landlord of the iconic music venue The Star and Garter.

Andy, aged 52, died on March 29^th 2024 at Salford Royal Hospital after deteriorating for hours with sepsis, meningitis and brain inflammation before 'crucial' treatment was given, the inquest heard.

Antibiotics were prescribed by a consultant neurologist to treat a severe infection and suspected meningitis, but they were not administered until more than eight hours later.

He leaves behind his wife Helen Kitchen and their two young daughters,

The verdict included that Andy received suboptimal basic care and that there were lost opportunities to provide antibiotics and IV fluids that more than minimally resulted in his death.

He died as a consequence of natural disease contributed to by suboptimal care and delay in treatment.

Following conclusion, Jenny Urwin said:

'My colleagues and I deal too often with families who are deeply affected by catastrophic medical errors in failing to recognise the signs of sepsis and meningitis. Worse, in this case is that the possibility of a serious infection and the need for antibiotics was apparently recognised but vital medication was simply not administered for too long.  

'We continue to investigate a negligence claim on behalf of the family but our hope is that lessons are finally learnt.'

Contact us

For further information about sepsis claims or medical negligence claims, please call Deborah Nadel on 03304606750 or email deborah.nadel@fieldfisher.com or call Jenny Urwin on 03304606776 or email jenny.urwin@fieldfisher.com.

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