Man dies from sepsis after GP misdiagnoses eye infection

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 07:01 · Archive

Reginald Mills, 83, died from sepsis 11 days after a GP diagnosed a swollen eye as a burst blood vessel rather than orbital cellulitis.

Reginald Mills, 83, died at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on 20 February after an infection around his left eye developed into life-threatening sepsis. His family had sought urgent medical attention on 9 February because his eye was so badly swollen he could barely open it to around one millimetre. However, the GP diagnosed a burst blood vessel and advised that antibiotics were unnecessary, instead prescribing eye drops.

Over the following days, Mr Mills's condition deteriorated. By 12 February, he was repeatedly falling asleep and the swelling around his eye had worsened considerably. On 13 February, he was rushed to hospital, where scans revealed a serious infection affecting his eye socket and surrounding tissues. Despite intensive treatment, he died a week later.

At an inquest at Norfolk Coroner's Court, Mr Mills's family raised concerns about whether the deadly infection could have been spotted sooner. His wife said she had specifically asked whether antibiotics would be appropriate at the appointment on 9 February but was told they were unnecessary. The family also noted that months before his death, Mr Mills had been experiencing hallucinations; his family feared these were linked to an infection, but the GP had suggested dementia as a possible explanation.

How it is being reported

• Man dies from sepsis days after GP diagnoses 'swollen' eye as burst blood vesselNorfolk inquest hears Reginald Mills, 83, died from sepsis after orbital cellulitis was diagnosed as a burst blood vessel.Eastern Daily Press · 26 Oct, 06:00
• Man dies from sepsis days after GP diagnoses 'swollen' eye as burst blood vesselNorfolk inquest hears Reginald Mills, 83, died from sepsis after orbital cellulitis was diagnosed as a burst blood vessel.Norwich Evening News · 26 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Reginald Mills · Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital · Scole · Norfolk

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