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A mother is pursuing legal action after her three-year-old daughter died from sepsis following alleged delayed treatment in a "manic" A&E where she said staff dismissed the symptoms as "probably just a virus".
Young Penny Stevens tragically passed away after a "missed opportunity" to refer her for urgent assessment - despite the mum saying she displayed clear warning signs of the deadly condition. The toddler had been brought to A&E at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, West Sussex, by her worried 41-year-old mum Jemma Graham.
Teacher Jemma was concerned about her daughter's persistent cough, vomiting and rash and had been advised by NHS 111 to bring her daughter to hospital. When they arrived, they discovered the "clearly overwhelmed" A&E department was struggling to manage and were informed Penny might not be seen for several hours, she said.
Penny, who also had a high temperature along with elevated heart and respiratory rates, should have been assessed within 15 minutes of arriving at hospital, she said. However, it is alleged that medical staff incorrectly documented 'no' when asked whether Penny was sleepy, lethargic or irritable, despite the fact she had to be supported by her mum.
Jemma said she brought her daughter home worried about the lengthy wait but Penny's condition worsened during the night. She dialled 999 in the early hours of the following day and Penny was transported by ambulance to hospital, but suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after arriving.
Despite resuscitation efforts lasting 80 minutes, she died from Group A Strep sepsis. Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection that can lead to death.
A report has now found that a sepsis screening tool completed during an initial assessment recorded signs that should have triggered an urgent sepsis review. The Patient Safety Investigation Report by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust said: "The opportunity for escalating for an urgent sepsis assessment was missed."
Jemma has now instructed medical negligence lawyers to launch legal action against the trust following the tragedy in December 2022. Jemma, of Emsworth, Hampshire, said: "Penny was bright, funny, and full of joy.
"We took her to hospital on the advice of NHS 111 after she became poorly, but the department was clearly overwhelmed. I was told she was probably suffering from a virus and, as to me the staff didn't seem concerned that there was anything more sinister going on.
"I made the decision to take her home rather than keeping her waiting in the hospital, which was absolutely manic at the time. Hours later, she was gone. Due to the sepsis, Penny went downhill so rapidly, and our world collapsed.
"What followed has broken us as a family in ways that nobody should ever have to endure. We remain devastated by Penny's death and are left wondering if more could have been done that night to help her.
"It's hard not to think of how things should be, in a world where Penny would still be at home with us, growing up, and creating mischief with her brother. I don't blame the staff on duty that night.
"They were working in impossible circumstances. My concerns lie with the system and the conditions that both patients and medical staff have to face.
"I'd do anything to have Penny back with us and want every parent to know the signs of sepsis. People have probably heard of sepsis, but they need to know how dangerous it is."
Penny and Jemma arrived at St Richard's Hospital just before 5.20pm on December 3, 2022. Penny, who has a younger brother named Charlie, now aged five, was triaged at 6.20pm.
Despite her signs and symptoms, the mum said Penny's condition was classed as 'green' and not requiring a follow-up assessment for a further two hours. During that time, Jemma was asked to try and provide a sample of Penny's urine but she was crying and unable to pass any.
After waiting for more than two hours, the mum said Penny had not been re-assessed and Jemma took her daughter home where she believed she would be more comfortable. She said she was reassured by the medics' lack of urgency after being told it would be several hours before Penny would be seen.
A discharge summary was generated, saying treatment had been completed, the investigation report said. At approximately 4am on December 4, the call was made to 999. Penny died later that morning.
Laura Hayes-Payne, the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Penny's mum, said: "Jemma remains devastated by the incredibly tragic circumstances surrounding Penny's death. The Hospital Trust's own investigation report has identified worrying issues in the care Penny received, including not recognising signs of sepsis or referring her for an urgent review.
"Jemma continues to have concerns about what happened to her daughter. All she wants is to ensure that all possible issues in Penny's care are identified and acknowledged by the Trust, and that lessons are learnt so that other families don't have to endure what she and her family have.
"Through our work we continue to see too many families impacted by sepsis. Penny's death highlights its dangers, the need for everyone to be aware of the symptoms and how early detection and treatment are essential."
Dr Maggie Davies, chief nurse at University Hospitals Sussex NHS foundation Trust, said: "We extend our deepest sympathies to Penny's family for the heartbreaking loss of their beloved daughter, and the immense grief they continue to endure.
"The national Group A Streptococcus outbreak in December 2022 placed enormous pressure on patients, families, and the dedicated staff who cared for them. We are so sorry that we were not able to prevent Penny's death."
Signs of sepsis in children can include:
Fever Confusion Reduced urine output Fast breathing Having a fit Mottled or blueish skin that can be cold to the touch A rash Lethargy Iriitability Child being difficult to wake up