£39M medical negligence claim after hospital meningitis error

As a medical negligence solicitor, I was saddened by the recently reported sepsis case (BBC) that settled for £39m against Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. The case highlights once again the importance of early recognition of the signs and symptoms of sepsis.

The girl in this case, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered catastrophic injuries including amputation of all 4 limbs at the age of 4 after staff at Frimley Park Hospital failed to recognise red flags for meningitis and sepsis.

She was taken to hospital with a temperature of more than 39 degrees, she had vomited and had a high heart rate. She also complained of leg pain and drowsiness. She was seen by a junior doctor, who later reported not being aware that limb pain was associated with meningococcal sepsis. Despite being triaged as high risk on arrival, the young girl was not reviewed by senior doctors, nor were basic blood and urine tests carried out. She was discharged home with paracetamol.

She deteriorated rapidly at home and was re-admitted a few hours later when she was diagnosed with meningococcal sepsis. She was lucky to survive, but underwent numerous surgical procedures including above knee amputations of both legs and above elbow amputations of both arms.

I am delighted that she has reportedly made remarkable progress, learning to use aids and equipment to help her walk and use her arms again. The compensation will go towards paying for the care and assistance she will need throughout her life. It was accepted that her injuries, including the amputations were avoidable had she been diagnosed and treated when first seen in A&E.

There has recently been greater awareness about the importance of recognising red flags for sepsis and rapid treatment with antibiotics. The UK Sepsis Trust has been at the forefront of raising awareness and developing clinical tools to assist healthcare staff in recognising the signs and treating early. They estimate that at least 48,000 people in the UK alone die of sepsis-related illnesses.

We all understand the many challenges that hard-pressed doctors, at all levels of the NHS, are experiencing. It is, however, essential that where someone has been injured through medical negligence and no fault of their own, they should be compensated so that they can access the care, treatment and rehabilitation they will need in the future. Trusts also need to be held accountable to make sure services and knowledge are improved so that the same mistakes do not happen again.

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