Broomfield Hospital's NHS trust prosecuted over children's deaths

Broomfield Hospital's NHS trust prosecuted over children's deaths

An NHS trust is facing legal action following the deaths of two children who suffered from sepsis, according to information obtained by the BBC. The charges involve the care provided to Zadie Ajetunmobi, aged three, who passed away just hours after being admitted to Broomfield Hospital in Essex with a high fever of 40°C (104°F) in November 2022. Two specific charges pertain to her case.

The third charge relates to Selina Samarina, a two-year-old girl who was discharged by a doctor at the same hospital in April 2024 despite showing symptoms including fever, a rash, and irritability. Tragically, Selina died two days later after her parents had to bring her back to the hospital. Investigations revealed that while the sepsis protocol was initiated upon Selina’s first arrival, a sufficiently senior doctor was not available until two and a half hours later. During this time, she was sent home by a junior doctor, though Selina had Down’s syndrome. These details emerged during an inquest where assistant coroner Stephen Simblet KC highlighted concerns about the level of medical oversight.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSE), the organisation responsible for Broomfield Hospital, confirmed it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation led by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The prosecution stems from alleged failures to deliver care safely, as outlined in court documents. Zadie’s post-mortem confirmed that her death resulted from sepsis-related complications, and it was revealed that she did not receive potentially life-saving intravenous antibiotics for more than seven hours after admission. Zadie died within 10 hours of arrival following a cardiac arrest on November 10, 2022.

Adam Sewell-Jones, group chief executive of MSE, spoke about the matter, stating: “We are working closely with the CQC on its investigation. As there is an ongoing legal process, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.” The trust is scheduled to respond to the charges at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in December, with pleas expected on the 3rd. The prosecution is being brought forward under the Health and Social Care Act by the CQC

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