Husband-to-be died after NHS missed sepsis
A MAN died just four months before his wedding after medical staff failed to spot he was suffering from sepsis.
Steven Jackson, 37, was assessed on three occasions by medical staff. But hours after being told by paramedics he did not require hospital treatment, Mr Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest and died.
His fiancée Shelly Jackson, who changed her name to his, is now backing a campaign to raise awareness of the deadly condition.
She said: “I am still very angry about Steven’s death, especially when there were opportunities to save him. The fact that so many people are dying from such an easily treatable illness is diabolical.”
Mr Jackson had been suffering from a sore throat for several days but when he failed to improve, Ms Jackson took him to A&E at Southend Hospital in Essex. A doctor told him to purchase over-thecounter medication and sent him home, but hours later, an ambulance was called. Paramedics diagnosed a virus, saying he did not require hospital treatment.
At 1pm the same day – seven hours after he went to A&E – another ambulance was called but Mr Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest and died. It was later identified he was suffering from epiglottitis, the inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis behind the root of the tongue, which can lead to blood infection.
Specialist medical negligence lawyers secured an admission of liability from the NHS trust, which also sent a letter of apology.