A devastated wife of a ‘loving’ father has spoken out after paramedics overlooked signs of sepsis, leaving him at home, only for him to pass away mere hours later.

Steve Holbrook-Sishton, a former teacher and college tutor, died unexpectedly in October 2021 when he developed sepsis after catching Covid-19.

After receiving the vaccine, he experienced a high fever and difficulty breathing. Ten days later, on October 26, he tested positive for Covid-19 and began exhibiting additional symptoms, including confusion and decreased urine output.

As his symptoms worsened, his wife Jan Holbrook, 70, called the NHS helpline after she became concerned he was showing signs of sepsis. 

Paramedics reached their home more than an hour later but after an inspection they did not suspect sepsis and left.

Mr Holbrook-Sishton’s breathing had worsened as he started gasping for breath and was unresponsive.

But by that time the second ambulance arrived at the couple’s home in Storrington, West Sussex, the father of three had died aged 67. 

The 70-year-old noted, ‘I sensed something was amiss, but when the initial ambulance crew departed, I don’t believe Steve was thoroughly evaluated, nor were we provided any guidance.

‘When the second crew finally arrived I just said ‘you’re too late, he’s already dead’. That moment will stay with me forever.

‘Steve was a loving husband, an incredible dad, and the kindest soul you could ever meet.

‘He was the unique presence that held our family together.’

She added: ‘Watching him slip away, knowing something was horribly wrong but feeling powerless, was the most terrible experience of my life.

‘The pain of losing Steve remains as raw now approaching four years on as it did the day he died.

‘The hardest thing to try and come to terms with is knowing that he might still be here if he’d received the care he needed and deserved.’

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused when the body releases chemicals to fight an infection.

These chemicals damage the body’s own tissues and organs and can lead to shock, organ failure and death.

Organ failure and death are more likely if sepsis is not recognized early and treated immediately.

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust admitted a breach of duty in connection with the father’s death.

The Trust admitted that if paramedics had taken Mr Holbrook-Sishton to hospital, and he had received appropriate care within two hours, he would not have died on the day he did.

In a letter to Mrs Holbrook, Simon Welder, the Ambulance Trust’s chief executive, apologised for the ‘mismanagement’ of her husband’s care.

He added: ‘Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are. This is not the standard of care the Trust strive to provide and I am truly sorry for the Trust’s failings.’

The family are now expecting a payout from the Trust.

Laura Hayes-Payne, the expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Mrs Holbrook, said: ‘The admitted failings in Steve’s care are deeply concerning and highlight the devastating consequences of when sepsis isn’t recognised.

‘We and Jan firmly believe that Steve’s symptoms should have prompted an urgent admission to hospital, and once there, he would have received the life-saving treatment he needed.

‘While we welcome the Ambulance Trust’s admission and apology, it’s vital that lessons are learned from Steve’s case to ensure other families don’t suffer like Jan and her family have.’