Mums’ Hospital Deaths Cause Advice to Change to Prevent Sepsis Pregnancy Negligence
December 2, 2021
According to recent reports, advice on how new mothers with sepsis should be treated is to change. This comes after two women died of a herpes infection. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says viral sources of infections should be considered and appropriate treatment offered. These changes may also help with reducing sepsis pregnancy negligence.
Two women died of an infection caused by the herpes virus 44 days apart, shortly after giving birth by Caesarean section. Their families were told there was no link between the deaths, but reports revealed that both operations had been carried out by the same surgeon.
Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, which set standards in maternity care, said routine investigation and management of maternal sepsis “should always consider viral sources of infection, and appropriate changes should be instituted to support earlier diagnosis and treatment”. The Royal College said they will fully investigate the two deaths. This is as “surgical infection appears to be a significant possibility”.
Sepsis Pregnancy Negligence
Sepsis, sometimes known as blood poisoning or septicaemia, is a potentially life-threatening condition. Every year in the UK there are over 150,000 cases of sepsis, with 44,000 of these resulting in deaths. It arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.
Sepsis is caused by the way the body responds to germs, such as common bacteria, getting into your body. We all encounter germs every day without making us ill but sometimes the body responds abnormally to these infections and causes sepsis.
The infection may have started anywhere in a sufferer’s body. It may be only in one part of the body, or it may be widespread.
Due to the nature of sepsis, early detection is crucial to prevent long-term damage, including multiple organ failure. Other long-term effect of sepsis include:
- Tiredness and lethargy that can last for months.
- Swollen limbs and painful joints.
- Hair loss,
- Breathlessness and chest pain.
- Reduced appetite and changes in taste.
- Insomnia and poor concentration.
- Reduced mobility.
These effects can have a huge impact on the sufferers, especially as a lot of people who suffer with sepsis are new mums. This can mean that many new mums suffer sepsis pregnancy negligence, which is especially true if they experience a delay in diagnosis of the condition.
We can assist even if you are unsure whether you have grounds to make a claim. If you suffer with sepsis and you think that the cause may be negligence, contact us today.
How We Can Help
Here at The Medical Negligence Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with medical negligence claims. This includes sepsis pregnancy negligence. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138761 to speak to one of our friendly experts.