A heartbreaking case reported in The Times has reignited calls for urgent reform in how sepsis is recognised and treated in UK hospitals.
Dr Deborah Burns, a respected consultant paediatrician, faced the unthinkable when her 22-year-old son, William Hewes, died of meningococcal sepsis in the very hospital where she had worked for two decades — Homerton University Hospital in east London.
William, a bright history and politics student, fell unwell at home before being admitted to A&E in January 2023. Nurses recognised signs of sepsis within minutes, but vital delays followed. Despite Dr Burns warning medical staff repeatedly — eight times, in fact — antibiotics were not administered promptly. A misunderstanding meant treatment was held up for over 40 minutes, and there was a further 70-minute delay in a critical review by an intensive care doctor.
William died 14 hours after admission.
Following an inquest this month, the coroner acknowledged that it was unclear whether prompt intervention would have saved William’s life — but also confirmed that delays and failures had occurred. A formal Prevention of Future Deaths report will now be issued to reduce the risk of such failures being repeated elsewhere in the NHS.
Dr Burns described a “moral and professional duty” to pursue the truth. When internal investigations fell short, she was forced to carry out her own detailed — and deeply distressing — review of records and CCTV footage to uncover what went wrong.
Her actions echo those of other families, including the parents of Martha Mills, whose tragic death in 2021 helped usher in “Martha’s Rule” — granting patients and families the right to request an urgent second opinion if they fear deterioration in care.
This case is a sobering reminder: sepsis can kill within hours. Early symptoms can be subtle — confusion, fever, a rash — but delays in recognising and treating it can be fatal. For healthcare professionals and patients alike, vigilance is critical.
Dr Burns’s story isn’t about blame; it’s about system improvement. But it also shines a harsh light on the reality that even medical professionals aren’t immune to medical error — even in their own hospitals.
Has Your Family Been Affected by Sepsis Mismanagement?
Failure to diagnose sepsis early can lead to fatal consequences or poor outcomes. If the hospital or GP fails to diagnose sepsis in time a claim for medical negligence can be made, see our article on: hospital failure to diagnose sepsis and compensation claims.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to delayed or inadequate sepsis care, and believe a hospital may be at fault, you may have grounds to make a claim.
At Hutcheon Law, we are here to support families affected by sepsis negligence. We understand how painful these cases are — and we will handle your claim with compassion and expertise.
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If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence within the NHS, it’s crucial to understand that you have the right to seek answers and hold the responsible parties accountable. The NHS Constitution affirms your right to make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care, treatment, or service. At Hutcheon Law, our expert medical negligence solicitors offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ service, ensuring that pursuing a claim carries no financial risk to you. Don’t suffer in silence; contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options for justice and compensation.
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