Disabled man sent home from hospital with antibiotics almost dies of sepsis a day later

[Northerner]

A mum has been left distraught after her disabled son was sent home from hospital with antibiotics despite having underlying sepsis and kidney failure which almost resulted in him losing his life.

Debra Newbert, 47, took her 22-year-old son Naythen Watkin to A&E at the Queen's Medical Centre on New Year's Day.

Ms Newbert, a full-time carer for her son who has a rare disability called Dandy-Walker Syndrome which inhibits his motor and language skills, said she had noticed his skin turning "grey" and that he was having trouble passing urine.

Upon arriving, Naythen was sent to the Urgent Treatment Unit on the QMC site which is operated by NEMS - a not-for-profit contractor which provides NHS services for the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

He waited for six hours before seeing a doctor who sent him home with antibiotics, but the following morning Naythen took a turn for the worst.

https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/disabled-man-sent-home-hospital-3755384

 

[Abi]

Pallor and passing less urine are potential "red flags" for sepsis
On the other hand, if seen 24 hours before admission I would imagine entirely feasible that he was not suffering from this condition ( which we doctors are all terrified of missing) on initial presentation
Would be illuminating to see the clinical records.
At any rate thank goodness he survived

 

[Drummer]

I recall reports, some time ago now, of a woman being found collapsed in a hospital car park after being sent away from A &E several times, the last time she was threatened with arrest for wasting their time. When finally admitted it was too late and she died.
As I have never been entirely believed when reporting to my GP or drs at the maternity hospital, it seems that the normal way of working for the NHS involves an element of Russian roulette, and although they get away with bad decisions most of the time, once in a while they are caught out in their wrong assumptions.

 

[mikeyB]

I’m surprised that this “not for Profit” company is providing emergency medical services. What was the experience and status of the doctor? Why hasn’t Nottingham not got a proper A&E with a slew of experienced clinicians on hand around a general hospital to offer advice and support?

 

[Ralph-YK]

Some places are closing A&E. Replacing them with UTC. I believe this is a reduced service. They can't do blood tests etc. (At night or weekends?) So it may very well cost less.

 

[Drummer]

My local hospital Poole in Dorset will no longer have A & E and so anyone needing emergency treatment will have to try to get to Bournemouth.
I just hope that works out - travelling along the Wessex way is not an easy option - yes it is a dual carriageway, but it is always congested.