Barnet A&E care failure led to mum's death, coroner finds

A coroner has determined that a failure to provide basic medical care contributed to the death of Anna Gaia Esposito, 31, after she attended A&E at Barnet Hospital. Ms Esposito died on April 3 last year, two days after being sent home from the hospital's accident and emergency department on March 31.

Ms Esposito, who had the immune disorder lupus, presented at A&E with a high temperature, a rash, and a persistent ear infection. Instead of being admitted and placed on a sepsis pathway, she was discharged. She returned to the hospital two days later suffering from multi-organ failure due to septic shock.

Coroner's Findings

North London coroner Andrew Walker concluded that the decision not to admit Ms Esposito on March 31 constituted a failure to provide basic medical care. Mr Walker stated that continued observation or admission might have altered the outcome, as Ms Esposito was showing early signs of physiological derangement and was at medium risk.

The coroner also found that the administration of steroids to Ms Esposito likely accelerated the development of her infection into sepsis, given her compromised immunity.

Trust's Apology and Actions

The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust issued an apology to Ms Esposito's family, expressing deep regret that her sepsis was not identified and treated sooner. A spokesperson for the trust stated that following a thorough investigation, their approach to recognising and responding to sepsis has been strengthened.

The trust has enhanced training for clinical staff to reinforce the signs and risks of sepsis, aiming to ensure potential symptoms are identified and acted upon without delay. Additionally, real-time digital alerts have been introduced to assist clinicians in identifying patients at risk of developing sepsis, alongside a mandatory assessment process designed to support faster diagnosis and treatment.

Despite the trust's apology, Ms Esposito's family expressed shock at the care failings and devastation that her son will grow up without his mother.

Legal Action

The family was represented by the law firm Fieldfisher at the inquest and is pursuing an ongoing medical negligence claim. Solicitor Marcos Eleftheriou highlighted the case as a reminder of the importance of early sepsis sign recognition, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems, and welcomed the trust's acceptance of responsibility.

Ms Esposito's mother, Maria Mosaria, shared her pain at the thought that things could have been understood and addressed differently, stating she would always carry the weight of unanswered questions. She added that her daughter's love and light would remain with them.