NHS Lothian told pregnant woman she didn't have sepsis before admitting complications

A NHS board has been ordered to apologise after telling a pregnant woman she didn’t have sepsis when she did.

The expectant mother was admitted to a hospital in NHS Lothian and gave birth via C-section, after her labour was complicated by the blood infection.

A complaint against the health board claimed the woman had not received proper care and treatment for their condition.

The board responded stating that the patient had not had sepsis or been treated for it during their admission.

However, a few months later the board wrote to the new mother, and admitted that their labour had been complicated by the infection.

The mum’s partner complained about the communication they received, something the board acknowledged as “unreasonable” and apologised.

The board also acknowledged that in a few specific cases, the expectant mother had not received reasonable care but said they considered her care and treatment to have been “reasonable overall”.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman opened an investigation into the complaint and sought advice from a midwife.

The watchdog found that the mother had sepsis during their admission and received appropriate care.

However, they added that the board’s “repeated” changing of their position on whether the patient had sepsis minimised their experience and “risked inadequate care” being provided to future sepsis cases.

They upheld the complaint that the board’s response inaccurately stated the woman did not have sepsis and was not treated for sepsis during their admission.

The watchdog also found that overall the patient, and her partner, had received “good care and app appropriate standards of treatment that were in line with relevant professional standards”.

The SPSO also acknowledged that actions had been taken by the health board the minimise recurrence in relation to the complaints around communication, and did not uphold this area of the complaint.

Dr Tracey Gillies, medical director, NHS Lothian said: “Whilst this patient did receive appropriate and prompt treatment and care, NHS Lothian has apologised for the failings identified.

“We accept the Ombudsman’s recommendations and are working to address them.”