A 45-year-old father of two tragically died after waiting 34 hours for life-saving antibiotics at a Midlands hospital, prompting investigators to conclude that his death could have been prevented. The case has reignited concerns over delays in hospital care and the treatment of patients with complex medical conditions.
The man, who lived in supported accommodation in Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, was admitted to Bassetlaw Hospital in November 2022 for intravenous antibiotics to treat a urinary infection. He suffered from Alexander disease, a rare and incurable neurological condition that affected his mobility, breathing, and ability to communicate. He also relied on a permanent catheter, making him particularly vulnerable to infections.
Despite repeated warnings from paramedics and care home staff about the urgent need for IV antibiotics, hospital doctors delayed treatment. When he eventually received the medication, it was more than a day after admission and administered at only half the required dose. By the time a second delayed dose was given, he had developed sepsis and passed away a week later.
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) report highlighted multiple failures in care. Doctors initially chose oral antibiotics after consulting a microbiologist. However, the oral medication was later found to be unavailable. Investigators stated that had hospital staff sought alternative guidance promptly, IV treatment could have been administered earlier, potentially saving the patient’s life.
The man’s mother repeatedly voiced her concerns to hospital staff, warning that oral antibiotics would not be effective and citing the microbiologist’s previous report. She revealed that she was dismissed and misled into believing her son had received treatment.
“I was given the impression he had at least been given something,” she said. “Finding out he had no treatment for all that time was devastating. It was heart-breaking to watch my son suffer while help was delayed.”
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has formally apologised to the family, offered financial compensation, and pledged to implement systemic changes to prevent similar incidents. The trust’s chief nurse stated they were “truly sorry” and confirmed that they had already strengthened protocols for prescribing and escalating antibiotic treatment.
Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive of the PHSO, described the case as “deeply concerning.” She noted that complaints regarding sepsis have more than doubled over the past five years and warned that repeated failures, poor communication, and lack of timely escalation continue to endanger lives.
This tragic case underscores the challenges faced by hospitals in managing patients with complex medical needs, particularly those who are disabled or require specialist care. Experts say it also highlights the critical need for better communication between families, paramedics, and medical staff to ensure that urgent care is not delayed.
As the NHS continues to face scrutiny over patient safety, this incident raises pressing questions: Are existing protocols for urgent antibiotic administration sufficient? Will hospitals across the UK implement the lessons learned to prevent similar avoidable deaths?
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