NHS trust prosecuted over two children's sepsis deaths

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

An NHS trust is being prosecuted over the deaths of two young children with sepsis at Broomfield Hospital in Essex.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Broomfield Hospital in Essex, is being prosecuted by the Care Quality Commission over allegations that care and treatment was not provided safely to the two children. Zadie Ajetunmobi, three, died in November 2022 within ten hours of admission with a cardiac arrest. A post-mortem examination showed her death arose from complications of sepsis. She was not given a potentially life-saving intravenous antibiotic dose for more than seven hours after arriving at the hospital with a temperature of 40C (104F). A coroner later concluded her death could have been prevented if she had been treated in line with sepsis guidelines within an hour of arriving.

Two-year-old Selina Samarina was brought to Broomfield in April 2024 with symptoms of fever, a rash and irritability. She was discharged by a doctor but died two days later after her parents readmitted her. The prosecution relates to alleged breaches of health and safety regulations concerning safe care and treatment. The trust acknowledged it had "missed opportunities" to help Zadie and has since addressed its emergency care model for children. Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust said it is "working closely" with investigators. A first appearance hearing is scheduled for Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in December.

How it is being reported

• Essex hospital trust prosecuted after tragic deaths of two little girlsThey were both under the care of Broomfield HospitalEssexLive · 21 Oct, 16:00
• NHS trust prosecuted over children's sepsis deathsCharges relate to the deaths of a two-year-old and a three-year-old at Broomfield Hospital in Essex.BBC Essex · 20 Oct, 06:28

In this story: Zadie Ajetunmobi · Selina Samarina · Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust · Broomfield Hospital · Essex · Care Quality Commission

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