NHS Trust Prosecuted over Children's Sepsis Deaths
The BBC has learned that the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE) is being prosecuted over the deaths of two children who suffered from sepsis.
Zadie Ajetunmobi, aged three, died within hours of being taken to Broomfield Hospital, Essex, in November 2022. She had a temperature of 40C (104F) and was not given intravenous antibiotics for over seven hours, leading to complications from sepsis.
Selina Samarina, a two-year-old with Down's syndrome, was sent home from the same hospital in April 2024, only to die two days later after her parents readmitted her. The sepsis protocol was triggered, but a coroner stated that a doctor of appropriate seniority was not available for over two hours.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is bringing the prosecution under the Health and Social Care Act, alleging that care and treatment were "not provided in a safe way" to both girls.
MSE is expected to enter pleas to the three charges on December 3rd.
Zadie's parents, Theo and Rhiannon, described their daughter as a "beautiful little girl" and expressed their grief, stating, "This is a tragedy from which we will never recover."
Adam Sewell-Jones, MSE's group chief executive, declined to comment further due to the ongoing legal process.
Key Points:
- MSE being prosecuted for the deaths of two children with sepsis.
- Charges relate to Zadie Ajetunmobi's 2022 death and Selina Samarina's 2024 death.
- Allegations: care and treatment not provided safely.
- MSE to enter pleas in December.