A 'devoted' father died from sepsis just five hours after paramedics failed to recognise his symptoms, an inquest has heard. Steve Holbrook-Sishton, 67, a former teacher from Storrington, West Sussex, died on 31 October 2021 after developing sepsis following a Covid infection.
His wife, Jan Holbrook, 70, called NHS 111 at 10.40pm on 30 October after her husband's condition deteriorated. Paramedics arrived at 2.10am and examined him for over an hour before leaving, not suspecting sepsis. Mrs Holbrook called 999 again at 5.30am when Steve's breathing worsened, but the ambulance took more than two hours to arrive, by which time he had died.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust has admitted a breach of duty, acknowledging that if Steve had been taken to hospital promptly and received appropriate care within two hours, he would not have died. Chief Executive Simon Welder expressed 'deep regret' for the 'mismanagement' of his care.
Mrs Holbrook said: 'Watching him slip away, knowing something was horribly wrong but feeling powerless, was the most terrible experience of my life.' The family is now seeking a settlement through Irwin Mitchell solicitors.
