A grieving mother has shared the heartbreaking story of her 21-year-old daughter who died from sepsis after being sent home from hospital twice while pregnant.
"They Failed Her": A Mother's Anguish
Emily Lockhart, a young expectant mother from Weston-super-Mare, visited Bristol Royal Infirmary twice in December 2023 with severe symptoms including vomiting, dizziness and excruciating pain. Despite her deteriorating condition, medical staff allegedly dismissed her concerns and sent her home on both occasions.
"She knew something was terribly wrong," her mother, Sarah, told reporters. "But they wouldn't listen. They just kept saying it was normal pregnancy discomfort."
The Tragic Outcome
Just days after her second hospital visit, Emily collapsed at home. Rushed back to hospital by ambulance, she was finally diagnosed with sepsis - but it was too late. Both Emily and her unborn baby tragically passed away on December 22nd.
Systemic Failures in Maternity Care
This devastating case highlights growing concerns about:
- Missed sepsis diagnoses in pregnant women
- Inadequate training for recognising obstetric emergencies
- Systemic failures in NHS maternity services
The hospital trust has launched an investigation, but for Emily's family, it comes far too late. "No apology can bring her back," Sarah said through tears. "I just want to make sure no other family suffers like ours has."
