Gravesend Grandma Loses Fingers After Sepsis

A former carer from Gravesend has issued a stark warning about the life-threatening condition of sepsis after a harrowing ordeal that saw her lose five fingers and the tips of all her toes. Shirley Bartram's story is a reminder of how quickly the body's response to an infection can turn deadly, and how quickly the signs are spotted and treated by a medical professional is crucial for preventing infection.

In September 2022, Shirley, a 69-year-old grandmother and retired carer, was rushed to Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford by ambulance. She was suffering from severe pain in her left side and had a rapid heart rate. She had also not passed urine for 12 hours, which is a classic red flag for sepsis. Doctors initially suspected a kidney infection and prescribed intravenous antibiotics. This story, while it might be a triggering or unpleasant read, is true and factual, which is so powerful to be know in case it could lead to a positive impact on someone else's story.

What Happened?

Shirley was discharged from the hospital hours later without receiving the crucial intravenous antibiotics. She was sent home with oral antibiotics, a decision the hospital later admitted was a breach of duty and classed as medical negligence. Her condition worsened dramatically overnight, and she was readmitted the next day.

Shirley was diagnosed with sepsis when she returned to the hospital, which was believed to have been triggered by her kidney infection. Her body's immune system had gone into overdrive from fighting off the infection. This caused widespread inflammation and organ failure. Shirley was placed in an induced coma and spent over four weeks in intensive care, followed by another five weeks in the hospital.

As her body fought to recover from the septic shock, the lack of blood flow caused by the body’s inflammatory response led to tissue death in her hands and feet. In a horrific outcome, four of her fingers and a thumb fell off. She also lost the tips of all her toes.

Her message is simple and urgent: "It's upsetting to think about what has happened and how much independence I've lost. It's hard to accept. I just hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness of how dangerous sepsis is so others don't have to endure what I have."

Medical Negligence

Shirley has since enlisted the help of medical negligence solicitors from Been Let Down to investigate her care under the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. The Trust has admitted that a breach of duty occurred by failing to administer the correct treatment, though they have denied liability for her life-changing injuries. With legal proceedings ongoing, Shirley and her legal team are using her story to raise awareness during Sepsis Awareness Month.

What You Need to Know About Sepsis

Early detection and immediate treatment with intravenous antibiotics are vital to preventing organ failure, amputation and death. As Shirley’s story shows, sepsis is a medical emergency that can be triggered by any infection. The key signs of sepsis in adults include:

Slurred speech or confusion

Extreme shivering or muscle pain

Passing no urine (in a day)

Severe breathlessness

Skin mottled or discoloured

If you or someone you know shows these signs, trust your instincts and seek urgent medical help. It could save a life and prevent you from having a medical disaster. It's so important to be educated and aware to protect our loved ones, but also to help strangers. Stories, no matter how bold or hurtful they are, hold truth and power; that's why it's so important for humanity to share stories with each other, as you never know - it could save a person's life.