Pepperells Victoria Neal gets Best Outcome for Family of Sepsis Patient

‘Something so simple as the timely administration of IV Antibiotics would have saved my Mum’s life...’

September 13th is World Sepsis Day, a poignant day for Pepperells’ Client Claire, who sadly lost her mum to the disease in 2020.

Claire is now sharing her family's experience, to raise awareness of Sepsis and highlight the warning signs to help with early detection and treatment.

Claire recalls “September 13th is World Sepsis Day. The date that I’m writing to thank Emma Collins and the expert from The Sepsis Trust and Victoria Neale of Pepperells Solicitors for their tremendous support in attaining from Hull Royal Infirmary an admission of liability for my Mum’s death.

"On Sunday 15th March 2020 my Mother was admitted to Hull Royal Infirmary for a stubborn Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) which GP prescribed medication had failed to remedy. Despite feeling poorly, she was in good spirits, chatting with hospital staff and being her usual warm and friendly self. She was delighted to learn that IV administered antibiotics would soon have her feeling ‘better than ever’ and ready to return home within a couple of days.

The IV Antibiotics failed to materialise until I complained to hospital staff of the lengthy delay. At this time, I had no knowledge of Sepsis or of the crucial importance of rapid intervention with Antibiotics to prevent Sepsis (blood poisoning) from taking hold.

Once IV Antibiotics were finally administered, a series of further significant, very serious errors and oversights by hospital staff within the Acute Medical Unit occurred, culminating in my Mum’s death from Sepsis, which lead to multiple organ failure, on the morning of Tuesday 17th March, 2020.

The Sepsis Trust has identified the warning signs of Sepsis and I urge everyone to read this information to ensure that they are alert to this prolific, silent killer.”

Sepsis is responsible for 46,000 deaths per year on our hospital wards but, with swift Antibiotic intervention, the vast majority of these deaths are preventable, your knowledge could save the life of a loved one.

Victoria Neale, adds “We have been working closely with Claire following her Mum’s death and to achieve this admission for our client is a huge step in the right direction. By obtaining a report from a specialist and the support from the Sepsis Trust, it is clear the key changes seen in her Mum’s behaviour whilst in hospital were vital and we hope to be able to support them to raise awareness of the key red flags surrounding sepsis and early diagnosis”

“We would advise anyone with concerns to visit the Sepsis Trust website to familiarise yourself with the ‘Red Flags' that identify blood poisoning, never be hesitant to ask hospital staff: ‘Could it be Sepsis?’

Claire adds, “I would like to thank Pepperells Solicitors, Victoria Neale, for her care and support and unswerving commitment that Hull Royal Infirmary would be held accountable for my Mum’s unnecessary death. The renowned experts analysis was invaluable and concluding report vital to attaining the admission of liability from Hull Royal Infirmary. Emma Collins, a senior ICU nurse assisting the Sepsis Trust, for her kindness and care and extensive knowledge of Sepsis and the workings of critical care units within the NHS.

If you, or a family member, have concerns about care or treatment you have received whilst in the care of the National Health Service, please contact Pepperells to discuss your feelings with a member of our specialist Medical Negligence team.