A Preventable Loss: How Delays in Care Led to a Tragic Outcome

A 45-year-old father of two, who had disabilities, tragically lost his life due to sepsis. This happened because he did not receive the right medicine on time.

He was in the hospital for 34 hours without the antibiotics he needed. This was found by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) in a recent report.

Background

The man had a rare condition called Alexander’s Disease, which affects the nervous system. He also had other health problems and required assistance with daily tasks. He lived in a supported environment and had a permanent catheter, making him more susceptible to urinary infections.

Hospital Negligence

The man was admitted to the hospital after his doctor referred him for a urinary infection. The doctor had already prescribed IV antibiotics for him. However, the hospital failed to administer the correct treatment immediately.

• They attempted to give him a different antibiotic, which was not available.
• They did not seek further medical advice.
• They should have known that IV antibiotics were necessary.

Family Concerns Ignored

The man’s mother tried to inform hospital staff about his needs, knowing he would not respond well to an oral antibiotic. However, doctors dismissed her concerns, leading to sepsis and his subsequent death a week later.

PHSO Findings

The PHSO concluded that his death could have been avoided. They also highlighted poor communication between the hospital and the patient’s family—a common issue in the NHS.

The man’s mother was devastated upon learning the truth. She believed he had at least received treatment, but he did not receive any medicine for 34 hours.

Hospital Response

The hospital apologized for the incident and has since implemented changes in antibiotic prescription and administration. However, for this family, it is too late—they have lost a loved one due to preventable mistakes.