Disabled dad died after waiting 34 hours for antibiotics in hospital

HEALTH TRUST APOLOGISES AND AGREES TO PAY SUM TO FAMILY

- By JAMES MANNING, PA

THE sepsis death of a 45-year-old disabled man who waited 34 hours for antibiotics in hospital was preventable, an investigation has found.

The father-of-two died after being referred to Bassetlaw Hospital for intravenous antibiotics for a urine infection, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) said.

The man, who lived in supported accommodation in Ollerton, suffered from a rare incurable disorder called Alexander disease, affecting the nervous system and causing developmental delays.

He had respiratory and mobility issues, needing 24-hour care and help with feeding and personal hygiene.

The PHSO said his condition meant he had a permanent catheter and was susceptible to urinary infections. He contracted one in November 2022 that was resistant to oral antibiotics and was referred by his GP to the hospital.

The ombudsman's investigation found he was given the correct IV medication more than a day after he arrived at hospital at half the dosage it should have been.