A father described as “devoted” passed away just five hours after emergency responders failed to recognize critical signs of sepsis and neglected to promptly transport him to the hospital. Steve Holbrook-Sishton, a former educator and college instructor, started showing symptoms of the life-threatening condition in October 2021 following a bout of Covid-19 shortly after receiving his booster shot.
As his health deteriorated, Steve’s wife Jan Holbrook, 70, became increasingly concerned about his sepsis symptoms and contacted the NHS 111 helpline. Despite evident warning signs, the ambulance team that arrived over three hours later spent an hour assessing him before leaving without identifying the disease.
Subsequently, when Steve’s condition rapidly worsened, Jan called 999 again and was assured an ambulance would arrive within 20 minutes. However, the ambulance arrived more than two hours late. By the time the second ambulance reached their home in Storrington, West Sussex, Steve, aged 67, had already passed away.
Expressing her anguish, Jan recounted the distressing experience of feeling powerless as she watched her husband slip away, emphasizing his loving nature and the irreplaceable role he played in their family.
Despite receiving his third Covid vaccine on October 16, 2021, Steve developed a high fever and breathing issues. Ten days later, he tested positive for Covid and began experiencing confusion and reduced urine output. Concerned about his declining health, Jan contacted the NHS helpline on October 30 but had to call 999 later when the ambulance did not arrive promptly.
Emergency services arrived at their residence at 2:10 am but failed to identify sepsis during the assessment before leaving over an hour later. Jan called 999 again at 5:30 am when Steve’s breathing worsened. Upon the arrival of a second ambulance team at 7:40 am, Steve had already passed away, leaving behind his three children.
Following Steve’s untimely death, Jan sought legal advice and the South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust admitted to a breach of duty. The Trust acknowledged that had Steve been promptly taken to the hospital and received timely care, his death could have been prevented.
Efforts are now underway to reach a settlement for Steve’s family, with the Ambulance Trust expressing regret for the mismanagement of his care. Jan’s legal representative emphasized the importance of recognizing sepsis promptly to prevent similar tragedies in the future, stressing the critical nature of early detection in saving lives.
Notable symptoms of sepsis include slurred speech, confusion, severe shivering, muscle pain, absence of urine output, difficulty breathing, and changes in skin coloration.