Baby William Mead from the UK passed away from sepsis in 2014 following a chest infection, and a report on his death found that there were missed chances to diagnose his condition.
The NHS England report stated that not only did GPs fail to diagnose him, if a medic had taken the NHS 111 call rather than call handlers they would have realised his “cries as a child in distress” meant he needed urgent medical attention.
Worryingly, William, who was one when he passed away, had been taken to the GP numerous times by his mum Melissa, who said doctors told her “not to worry” and the NHS 111 said it was “nothing serious”.
His death was put down to natural causes until a coroner’s inquest in June of last year found he had died from septicaemia, a treatable blood poisoning.
The report is now calling for better recognition by GPs of the signs of septicaemia and for call advisers to be trained to spot when something was serious.
"Everyone involved in this report is determined to make sure lessons are learned from William's death, so other families don't have to go through the same trauma,” said Lindsey Scott, director of nursing with NHS England in the South West
"None of this detracts from our profound regret at the loss of William. For that loss, on behalf of all NHS organisations involved, I would like to apologise publicly to Mr and Mrs Mead."
Speaking about their heartbreaking loss, Melissa told the Mail: “There were multiple occasions in the lead-up to William’s death where there were missed opportunities to treat William. We hope those involved in William’s treatment will never make the same mistakes again. We also hope the recommendations made improve systems to ensure other lives are not lost.”
Sepsis, also known as septicaemia, is a very serious illness and it is important you know what symptoms to look out for.
