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.
Steve Holbrook-Sishton, a former teacher and college tutor, died unexpectedly in October 2021 when he developed sepsis after catching Covid-19
His heartbroken wife of a ‘loving’ father has spoken out after paramedics failed to spot the signs of sepsis and left him at home to die just hours later. Above, Mr Holbrook-Sishton with his wife Jan Holbrook, 70, (right) and daughter Maddy (centre)
Paramedics arrived at their residence over an hour after the NHS helpline was contacted. Following an inspection, they did not suspect sepsis and left. Mr Holbrook-Sishton pictured with his family
‘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.
The Trust has acknowledged that had paramedics transported Mr Holbrook-Sishton to the hospital, and he received suitable care within two hours, his death on that day could have been prevented.
Sepsis is life-threatening but if caught early it is treatable. Children with sepsis can have breathing difficulties, fits, be lethargic, have a rash that does not fade when you put a glass to it and babies can struggle to feed
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.’
What are the key symptoms of sepsis? The ‘silent killer’ that can cause death in minutes
Sepsis, known as the ‘silent killer’, strikes when an infection such as blood poisoning sparks a violent immune response in which the body attacks its own organs.
It is a potentially life-threatening condition, triggered by an infection or injury. Around 245,000 people develop sepsis in the UK each year and 52,000 die, according to the UK Sepsis Trust.
Instead of attacking the invading bug, the body turns on itself, shutting down vital organs.
If caught early enough, it’s easily treated with intravenous antibiotics and fluids, but these must be given as soon as sepsis is suspected – it strikes with frightening speed and, for every hour of delay, a patient’s chance of dying increases 8 per cent.
Sepsis is a leading cause of avoidable death killing 44,000 people each year
The early symptoms of sepsis can be easily confused with more mild conditions, meaning it can be difficult to diagnose.
A high temperature (fever), chills and shivering, a fast heartbeat and rapid breathing are also indicators.
A patient can rapidly deteriorate if sepsis is missed early on, so quick diagnosis and treatment is vital – yet this rarely happens.
In the early stages, sepsis can be mistaken for a chest infection, flu or upset stomach.
It is most common and dangerous in older adults, pregnant women, children younger than one, people with chronic conditions or those who have weakened immune systems.
The six signs of something potentially deadly can be identified by the acronym ‘SEPSIS’:
- Slurred speech or confusion
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Passing no urine in a day
- Severe breathlessness
- Skin that’s mottled or discoloured
Anyone who develops any of these symptoms should seek medical help urgently — and ask doctors: ‘Could this be sepsis?’
