Dr. Deborah Burns, a consultant paediatrician, experienced profound feelings of betrayal after her son, William Hewes, died from meningococcal septicaemia at Homerton Hospital in London. Despite her medical expertise, Dr. Burns’ attempts to expedite her son’s treatment were overlooked, leading to his tragic death.
The Tragic Incident
William Hewes, a healthy 12-year-old, was admitted to Homerton Hospital on 1 November 2022, presenting with symptoms of sepsis. Dr. Burns, recognizing the severity of his condition, advocated for immediate administration of antibiotics. However, due to a misunderstanding, the antibiotics were not administered until 1:25 am, several hours after his admission. This delay contributed to William’s death from meningococcal septicaemia.
Dr. Burns’ Perspective
During the inquest, Dr. Burns expressed her profound sense of betrayal. She stated, “I felt completely betrayed on every level to be honest, as a human being sat with another human being.” She detailed how her concerns were dismissed, and her professional judgment was not heeded, leading to her son’s preventable death.
Hospital’s Response
Homerton Hospital acknowledged the delays in administering antibiotics and the subsequent impact on William’s condition. The hospital expressed regret over the incident and committed to reviewing and improving its protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Broader Implications
This case underscores the critical importance of timely medical intervention and effective communication within healthcare settings. It highlights the devastating consequences that can arise when medical professionals’ concerns are not adequately addressed. The inquest serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and responsiveness in patient care, especially when the patient’s family possesses medical expertise.
