‘High Risk’ Patient Was Denied Home Visit By Triage Nurse And Instead Prescribed Anti Sickness Medication

A man whose arm had to be amputated following a five-hour wait for medics to diagnose life-threatening sepsis, has instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care provided by his GP surgery in Christchurch, Dorset.

Diabetic Michael Cole, from Bournemouth who also has Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), was rushed to Bournemouth Hospital with sepsis five hours after a telephone appointment with a nurse at his GP surgery. He had called the surgery after falling seriously ill days after a small bite from the family’s three-month old golden retriever puppy.

The 39-year-old father-of-one was so critically ill he was transferred to Poole Hospital where medics battled to flush the deadly infection from his system. Despite their best efforts they were unable to save his right arm, and on November 9, 2016 he underwent surgery to amputate it high above the elbow.

Michael, who has not been able to work since he fell ill, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his care at the hands of clinicians at his GP Surgery and whether anything more could have been done to prevent the loss of his arm.

Michael is trying to adjust to life as an amputee and is hoping to return to his role as business manager for an investment bank on a phased basis, with the firm adapting a room in his house to serve as an office.

He said: “Becoming an amputee has obviously been life-changing and to know that it may have been prevented just adds to the anger and frustration I feel.

“My family and I are anxious to know what more could have been done to give surgeons a better chance of saving my arm and if failings in my care are identified, lessons should be learned so that no one else suffers as I have.

“I will forever struggle with the small things in life, such as doing buttons up, tying my shoe laces, the basic tasks are the hardest and I now have to rely on other people to help with these things. This has impacted on not just me, but all of those around me, particularly my close family.

“There’s no turning back the clock - I wish it was that easy – but now I have to try to get my life back on track, for me and for my family.

Michael is speaking out about his ordeal to raise and awareness of the biggest killer of patients in UK hospitals.

A concerned relative called the GP surgery at around 8.30 am on November 7 last year, when Michael began suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea and was unable to stand, two days after being bitten by the family puppy.

But despite being a vulnerable patient on account of his diabetes and immune disorder, Michael was denied a home visit and was instead prescribed anti-sickness medication by a nurse during a phone triage an hour and 20 minutes later.

By 3pm Michael’s condition had begun to deteriorate and his frantic wife, Ffyona, called the NHS 111 service and paramedics were despatched. It was when they arrived that Michael was diagnosed with suspected sepsis and was immediately taken to Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital before being transferred to Poole Hospital where medics fought to save his life.

Michael spent a month in hospital where he underwent surgery to amputate his right arm. Due to the spread of infection the amputation had to begin high above the elbow. He also has an extensive scar on his left arm and hand, a six inch hole in his right leg and damage to his foot where surgeons had to make incisions to wash out the infection. He was on life support for two weeks.

Expert Opinion

“Sepsis is a devastating condition which affects 150,000 people every year in the UK, resulting in 44,000 deaths. This number of people dying or, like Michael, suffering life-changing injuries from sepsis in the UK is extremely troubling as the condition can be treated by a course of antibiotics if diagnosed quickly.

“We have seen numerous cases where the symptoms of sepsis have not been spotted or where patients have not been started on treatment soon enough. This has a devastating impact on them, and for the family and friends of those who lose their lives as a result.

“It’s Michael’s case that not diagnosing sepsis early enough changed his life forever and although nothing can turn back the clock, a fair settlement will mean he will be able to fund suitable prosthetics throughout his life and the on-going rehabilitation he requires.

“Through our close work with The UK Sepsis Trust we have seen the urgent need to promote the signs of sepsis and provide early care in the UK." Rebecca Brown - Senior Associate

What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis is caused by the way the body responds to germs, such as bacteria, getting into your body. The infection may have started anywhere in a sufferer’s body, and may be only in one part of the body or it may be widespread. Sepsis can occur following chest or water infections, problems in the abdomen like burst ulcers, or simple skin injuries like cuts and bites.

Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis leads to shock, multiple organ failure and death especially if not recognized early and treated promptly.

Read more about the work of Irwin Mitchell's Medical Negligence Team here.

Our medical negligence lawyers could help you claim compensation if you’ve had an amputation due to medical errors. Visit our Amputation Negligence Claims page for more information.