Limb Loss Awareness Month 

A woman who lost her leg after developing severe sepsis is speaking out during Limb Loss Awareness Month to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of delayed treatment – and the importance of recognising sepsis as a medical emergency. 

Kelly Dewey, 45, from Southampton, was admitted to University Hospital Southampton in May 2023 with abdominal pain, vomiting and symptoms of infection linked to kidney stones. She later developed sepsis and septic shock, resulting in life changing complications including the below knee amputation of her right leg.

Kelly instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to bring a claim to help her access the specialist support and treatments she now requires to help get her life back on track.

Now after an investigation by Irwin Mitchell, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has apologised for the standard of care Kelly experienced and admitted that she would have avoided an amputation had she received earlier antibiotic treatment and more confined surgery.

Kelly is now speaking out alongside her legal team to highlight how quickly infections can escalate, and the long-term impact limb loss can have on individuals and families.

She has now learned to walk on a prosthetic leg, sometimes with the use of walking sticks, although she still suffers from pain on a regular basis and suffers from fatigue.

Kelly Dewey, who was previously training to be a midwife before the amputation, said: 

“I went into hospital expecting treatment for kidney stones. I never imagined that within days I would be fighting for my life – or that I would ultimately lose my leg.

 

“I’d love to get back to my midwifery training but if I can’t do that I would definitely consider training as a prosthetist now that I have personal experience with amputation and prosthetic limbs.

 

“The physical impact of limb loss is enormous, but the emotional toll is just as real. You’re learning how to live again, while coming to terms with something that didn’t need to happen.

 

“If sharing my story helps even one person recognise the signs of sepsis or push for urgent treatment, then it’s worth speaking out.”

Kelly developed septic shock after her infection worsened, leading to organ failure and critical illness. She spent time in intensive care and later developed severe complications affecting her circulation, ultimately resulting in amputation surgery in August 2023.

Rebecca Brown, a specialist medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, said the case underlines the importance of timely intervention when infection is suspected.

“Sepsis is a medical emergency and delays in treatment can have catastrophic, irreversible consequences. In Kelly’s case, it has been admitted that earlier intervention would have prevented her amputation.

 

“During Limb Loss Awareness Month, it’s vital that we remember behind every statistic is a person whose life has been fundamentally changed. We continue to support Kelly as she rebuilds her life and hope her courage in speaking out helps raise awareness and improve patient safety.”

Limb Loss Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the experiences of people living with limb loss and the need for better awareness, prevention and support. Kelly continues to undergo rehabilitation and adjust to life as an amputee, while calling for greater understanding of the risks associated with infection and sepsis.