‍Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection, and recognising it in children is one of the greatest challenges in emergency medicine. Paediatric sepsis is time-sensitive, and if it is not identified and treated quickly, it can lead to organ failure or death. Early recognition, prompt investigations, and immediate treatment are critical to improving outcomes.

In 2016, NICE published its Sepsis Early Recognition, Diagnosis, and Management Guidelines, which include a risk stratification tool to classify paediatric patients (ages 5-11) presenting with suspected sepsis into high-risk, moderate-to-high-risk, and low-risk categories. This classification is based on vital signs and symptoms like heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time, and urine output. Treatment decisions should be made based on this risk assessment, with urgent intervention required for high-risk patients.

How Medical Negligence Can Occur in Paediatric Sepsis Cases

When sepsis is suspected in a child, immediate medical intervention is crucial. Medical negligence can occur if the following key steps are missed or delayed:

1. Failure to review and classify upon arrival: Children suspected of having sepsis should be reviewed by a paediatrician or senior emergency doctor as soon as they arrive at the Emergency Department (ED). Any delay in this review can allow the condition to worsen.
2. Delays in administering antibiotics: According to NICE guidelines, IV antibiotics should be given within one hour of the patient's arrival at the ED. Delayed administration can lead to the rapid progression of sepsis, increasing the risk of organ failure or death.
3. Failure to perform necessary tests: Blood tests, including blood cultures, should be taken immediately upon arrival at the hospital. These tests help confirm sepsis and guide treatment.
4. Lack of frequent monitoring: Children with sepsis need to be closely monitored for changes in their condition. Failure to recheck vital signs or conduct follow-up assessments can lead to missed opportunities for timely interventions.

Spotting Medical Negligence in Sepsis Cases

If your child or a loved one has suffered from sepsis, here are signs that may indicate medical negligence:

• Delayed review or treatment upon arrival: Sepsis requires immediate action. If your child was not seen by a senior doctor or paediatrician promptly, or if there were delays in administering antibiotics, this could be a sign of negligence.
• Lack of appropriate testing: Failure to conduct crucial tests like blood cultures to confirm sepsis or guide treatment may point to poor medical care.
• Inadequate monitoring after admission: Sepsis is a condition that can worsen quickly. If the hospital staff failed to continuously monitor the child's symptoms or vital signs, they may have missed critical warning signs.

How to Seek Compensation for Sepsis-Related Medical Negligence

If you believe that medical negligence contributed to a delayed diagnosis or improper management of sepsis, you may be entitled to pursue a medical negligence claim. A successful claim will need to prove:

1. Breach of duty: The healthcare provider failed to meet the expected standard of care, such as not providing immediate attention or timely treatment.
2. Causation: You must demonstrate that this breach directly caused harm, such as severe complications or death.

At Tomlin & Partners, we specialize in handling medical negligence cases, particularly those involving paediatric sepsis. We can guide you through the claims process and help you seek compensation on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Why Choose Tomlin & Partners?

At Tomlin & Partners, we understand how critical prompt medical care is for sepsis. Our experienced team is committed to helping families affected by delayed or improper treatment get the justice they deserve.

Contact Us Today

If your child has suffered due to delays or failures in managing sepsis, contact Tomlin & Partners today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our expert medical negligence solicitors will assess your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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