A carer died from sepsis after doctors delayed treating the deadly condition for 12 hours while they allegedly argued about what ward to treat her on. Mum-of-three Tina Hughes, 59, was rushed to A&E after developing the tell-tale signs of sepsis on September 8 last year.
But despite paramedics flagging to staff they suspected the life-threatening illness, it was not mentioned on her initial assessment at Sandwell General Hospital. A second assessment six hours later also failed to mention sepsis while medics disagreed over whether to treat her on a surgical ward or a high dependency unit.
The grandmother-of-five was eventually transferred to the acute medical unit at 3am the next morning where sepsis was finally diagnosed. But Tina, of Tipton, West Midlands, continued to deteriorate and was admitted to intensive care four hours later and put on a ventilator. She died the following morning on September 10.
A serious incident investigation report by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust has since found there was “a delay in explicit recognition of sepsis”.
Tina's heartbroken family are now warning of the dangers of the condition after instructing medical negligence lawyers to investigate her case. Her daughter, Yvette Whitehouse, 37, said: “Mum was an absolutely fantastic mum and grandma. Her life revolved around her family. She was the heartbeat of our family and would do anything for us.
“She always saw the best in people and helped others less fortunate than herself. Mum brought out the best in people and had a heart of solid gold.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get over what happened and life without my mum will never be the same again for all of us. While the last year and trying to come to terms with what happened has taken its toll on us all it also feels like the anniversary of mum’s death is a time to share her story to help others.
“Before mum’s death we hadn’t heard too much about sepsis. However, we now know how dangerous it can be.
"We hope that by speaking out we can help make others aware of the symptoms of sepsis and how important early detection and treatment is.”
Tina began feeling unwell in August last year before she was admitted to hospital after days of vomiting, feeling confused and she had also stopped passing urine.
An investigation found a delay in treating Tina’s sepsis as well as a disagreement as to the level of care Tina needed and where she should be transferred to from A&E. The NHS report also made a number of recommendations including training for junior doctors around sepsis.
Where there is a disagreement over where a patient should be treated and the level of care they require, this must be escalated to a consultant. The family has now asked lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether the trust could have done more to diagnose and treat her sepsis – which sees the body attack itself in response to an infection.
Jade Elliott-Archer, the specialist medical negligence lawyer representing Yvette, said: “Tina was a much-loved partner, mum and grandmother who was adored by her family. The last year and coming to terms with her death have been incredibly difficult for the whole family.
“Understandably they have a number of concerns about the events that unfolded in the lead up to Tina’s death. The Trust’s own investigation report has identified concerning areas in the care Tina received.
"We’re now investigating these further to provide the family with all of the answers they deserve. Through our work we sadly see the devastating impact sepsis can have. Tina’s family hope that by sharing their story they can help others by being aware of the symptoms.
“While incredibly dangerous sepsis can be treated with early detection and treatment.”
Tina also leaves behind sons Philip and Ryann Hughes, 42 and 27, and grandchildren Jack, 19, Hollie, 17, 15-year-old Harry as well as Louie, 13, and 11-year-old Joe. An inquest which will examine more circumstances around Tina’s death is due to take at a later date.
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust has been approached for comment.
