Medical Negligence Lawyers Investigate To Help Mum Access Specialist Therapies

A former carer who lost five fingers following sepsis is warning of the dangers of the life-threatening condition. 

Shirley Bartram was taken by ambulance to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford with severe pain in her left side and vomiting.

Following tests, the mum-of-four, who had also not passed urine for 12 hours and had a raised heart rate, was diagnosed with a suspected kidney infection. 

Kent woman Shirley sent home from hospital without receiving IV antibiotics

Shirley, of Gravesend, was prescribed intravenous antibiotics. However, she was discharged hours later with medics failing to administer them. Shirley was sent home with oral antibiotics which were inappropriate to treat her condition, health bosses admitted following legal submissions by expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell. 

Shirley, who was sick through the night, was re-admitted to hospital the following afternoon. She was diagnosed with sepsis believed to have been caused by her kidney infection.   

Shirley spends four weeks in intensive care

With her condition deteriorating and her organs failing, the 69-year-old was put in an induced coma. She spent more than four weeks in intensive care and nine weeks in hospital. 

Following treatment for sepsis, tissue in Shirley’s hands and feet started to die. 

Four of Shirley’s fingers and a thumb dropped off. She also lost the tips of all of her toes. 

Medical negligence lawyers investigate

Shirley who now struggles carrying out daily tasks such as cooking and walking, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her care under Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, which runs Darent Valley Hospital. 

Following legal submissions, the Trust admitted a breach of duty by failing to administer intravenous antibiotics and sending Shirely home with inappropriate oral antibiotics on 14 September, 2022. However, the Trust said it was not liable for her injuries. 

With legal investigations continuing, Shirley and her legal team are using Sepsis Awareness Month to raise awareness of the signs of the condition which sees the body attack itself in response to an infection. 

Josh Beszant is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Shirley.

Expert Opinion

“The last few years and coming to terms with her life-changing injuries has been incredibly difficult for Shirley. She was previously very independent but has now lost this and is more reliant on her family.

“While the Trust has admitted that intravenous antibiotics should have been given, but were not, , Shirley firmly believes more should have been done to help and monitor her during her first hospital visit.

“Nothing can make up for what she’s been through, but we’re determined to secure Shirley with access to the specialist support and therapies she requires.

“We call on the Trust to resolve the remaining issues in this case, allowing Shirley to focus on her rehabilitation.

“In the meantime, we join her in warning of the dangers of sepsis and the need for everyone to be aware of the signs. Sepsis is a medical emergency with early detection and appropriate treatment vital to preventing serious injury and even death.” Josh Beszant

Sepsis: Shirley Bartram's story

Following her discharge from hospital Shirley has continued to suffer with infections linked to her sepsis.

Shirley, only has her fourth and little finger remaining on her right hand. On her left hand, she has lost her index finger and little finger. Her toes are gradually self-amputating and bones in the feet have also changed shape. 

Shirley, who lives with her daughter Kelly, 47, has also suffered repeated swelling in her right hip because of infections. She has experienced leaking from a wound in the top of her right leg and metalwork from a previous hip replacement has loosened as a result. Shirley continues to live with the impact while doctors try and find a solution. 

Shirley reveals life-changing impact of injuries as she supports sepsis awareness campaign

Shirley said: “Before all this happened, I was independent and active. Now, I struggle with the simplest things that many people take for granted. 

“Holding a pen is impossible and I need help with things I used to do without thinking — buttoning clothes, washing my hair, preparing meals. I can’t manage stairs without help. 

“Walking is painful and exhausting. I wear a brace on my left foot to try and stop it catching, but I still fall over. I can just about walk to the local shop aided with a walking stick, and also some trips out to the cinema, but I am sometimes limited. 

“It’s not just the physical toll, it’s the emotional one too. Sometimes I go to the cinema, but I feel very self-conscious about my hands.

“I can’t thank Kelly enough for everything she does for me but it’s upsetting to think about what has happened and how much independence I’ve lost. It’s hard to accept. 

“I’m still concerned whether everything possible was done to prevent what happened to me and the least I feel I deserve is answers.

“However, I just hope that by sharing my story I can raise awareness of how dangerous sepsis is so others don’t have to go endure what I have.”

While Shirley was in hospital her grandson, Ricky, took part in charity boxing match in aid of UK Sepsis Trust, raising £250. 

What are the signs of sepsis and support available

Signs of sepsis include slurred speech, confusion, extreme shivering and muscle pain, passing no urine in a day, severe breathlessness and mottled or discoloured skin. 

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families affected by sepsis at our dedicated sepsis claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100. 

Sepsis Awareness Month runs throughout September. For more information visit the website of the charity UK Sepsis Trust.