NHS Neglect Contributed to Young Mother's Sepsis Death After Wrong Antibiotics Prescribed
A coroner has ruled that neglect by NHS medics led to the tragic death of a young mother from sepsis after she was given the wrong antibiotics following a routine operation. Aleisha Rochester, a 33-year-old bank cashier from Croydon, south London, passed away in August 2023, leaving behind her eight-year-old son Xavier.
Failure to Follow Guidelines in Hospital Care
Assistant coroner Sian Reeves stated that staff at St Epsom and St Helier University Hospital failed to adhere to the NHS trust's own guidelines on administering antibiotics. Ms Rochester underwent surgery on August 5, 2023, to remove abscesses from her armpit and groin, a procedure related to her condition of hidradenitis suppurativa. Five days later, she fell ill with an infected wound in her left armpit.
Despite seeking medical help multiple times, including visits to an out-of-hours GP and two A&E departments, she was prescribed penicillin-based antibiotics that did not target the gram-positive organisms causing her infection. The coroner emphasized that the surgical team did not consult the hospital's microbiology team, violating protocols.
Timeline of Medical Errors and Tragic Outcome
On August 13, Ms Rochester received penicillin from a GP, but feeling unwell, she visited Croydon University Hospital's A&E the same day, where doctors dismissed her concerns and sent her home. The following evening, she went to St Helier Hospital, where she was given flucloxacillin via an IV drip but was again discharged.
She returned on August 15 and was seen by medical staff, but the antibiotics prescribed were not aligned with hospital guidelines. It was only on August 16 that she received the correct medication, but by then, her condition had deteriorated severely. She was rushed to intensive care on August 17 with septic shock and multiple organ failure, suffering a fatal heart attack on August 19.
The coroner concluded that had Ms Rochester been given the appropriate antibiotics on August 15, she would likely have survived, describing her death as contributed to by neglect.
Family's Heartbreak and Legal Action
In a heartbreaking statement, Ms Rochester's mother, Lorna, described her daughter as a loving, ambitious, and amazing mother who had dreams of starting her own business. Lorna is now suing the NHS trust, hoping that speaking out will improve care and raise awareness about sepsis recognition and treatment.
Dr. Richard Jennings, group chief medical officer for the trust, apologized for the failure, acknowledging tragic consequences and outlining steps taken to prevent future incidents, including staff training on sepsis recognition and antibiotic prescribing audits.
Understanding Sepsis: A Medical Emergency
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an infection spreading to the bloodstream, leading to organ failure. Key symptoms in adults include confusion, blotchy skin, difficulty breathing, and rashes that do not fade. In babies, signs may involve changes in skin color, weak cries, and lethargy. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as highlighted by this case.
