A decade later, hospitals continue to make the same errors that have led to the loss of too many lives from sepsis, warns the health ombudsman, Rob Behrens.
Progress and Recurring Errors
Behrens stated that some progress has been made in diagnosis and treatment since his office released the “Time to Act” report in 2013.
However, his inquiries have revealed that certain lessons remain unlearned, and the recurrence of errors is resulting in a loss of life.
Lessons Unlearned
Among the identified failures are delays in diagnosis and treatment, inadequate record-keeping and communication, and lost opportunities for follow-up care.
The new report by the ombudsman, “Spotlight on Sepsis: Your Stories, Your Rights,” concludes that “substantial improvements are urgently required to prevent further fatalities.”
Urgent Need for Improvements
The text mentions that numerous tragic cases of patient deaths could have been avoided if patients or their families had been listened to.
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Annual sepsis-related fatalities are estimated to be around 48,000, according to the UK Sepsis Trust.
‘Silent assassin’ sepsis occurs when an infection, such as blood poisoning, provokes an aggressive immune response in which the body targets its own organs.
Antibiotic treatment can halt the progression of the infection if detected early, before the body goes into overdrive.
However, early symptoms are often confused with those of milder conditions, making diagnosis challenging.
Also, a patient’s condition can deteriorate rapidly, making prompt diagnosis and treatment essential.
The Mail’s “End the Sepsis Scandal” campaign aimed to increase awareness of symptoms and decrease the number of overlooked cases.
The campaign produced NHS sepsis quality standards, but the current research shows significant work remained.
Mr. Behrens stated, “It saddens and frustrates me that the same errors we highlighted a decade ago continue to occur.”
The NHS must listen to concerns raised by patients and their families. Sepsis awareness is crucial.
The report was peer-reviewed by Melissa Mead, whose one-year-old son, William, died of sepsis in 2014 after doctors disregarded concerns.
“I believe this report, published nine years after William’s death, exposes the prevalence of sepsis cases,” she stated.
An excessive number of lives are being lost due to avoidable situations.
Sepsis Awareness
Advocated for by the Health Secretary, ‘Martha’s rule’ would afford individuals the opportunity to seek an alternative medical opinion.
Following his encounter with Merope Mills, Steve Barclay vowed to assist her daughter Martha, 13, who perished of sepsis due to medical negligence in not being admitted to intensive care.
