In a tragic turn of events, a mother passed away after medical professionals failed to recognize and treat sepsis during her hospitalization. Sharzia Bibi, a 28-year-old mother of two, was taken to A&E in Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester, complaining of severe stomach pain and bleeding. Despite showing signs of sepsis, such as a high heart rate and decreased functional ability, healthcare providers initially diagnosed her with a water or pelvic infection. This misdiagnosis led to a crucial nine-hour delay in administering antibiotics, which were also found to be unsuitable when eventually given. Moreover, the standard monitoring protocol of every four hours was not followed. The severity of Sharzia’s condition became apparent when she underwent emergency surgery, leading to a diagnosis of sepsis. She was transferred to intensive care for intravenous antibiotics but tragically experienced a cardiac arrest and passed away in November 2023. The heartbroken family, including her husband, Hassan Naseer, has now come forward to shed light on the devastating impact of Sharzia’s untimely death.
Hassan Naseer expressed his profound grief over the loss of his wife, emphasizing the void left in their lives following Sharzia’s passing. He recalled the distressing experience of witnessing his wife in excruciating pain without any indication from the hospital staff about the severity of her condition. As a young family with dreams and aspirations for the future, the sudden loss of Sharzia has had a profound and lasting effect on Hassan, their four-year-old son, Subhan, and two-year-old son, Abbas. Hassan’s determination to speak out stems from a desire to prevent other families from enduring a similar tragedy, highlighting the need for improved awareness and care standards in healthcare settings. The family’s legal representatives are actively investigating the circumstances leading to Sharzia’s death, with the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust acknowledging liability in a civil claim.
The subsequent inquest held at Manchester Coroner’s Court revealed shocking details of neglect and gross failures in Sharzia’s care, further deepening the family’s anguish. Coroner James Lester-Ashworth’s narrative conclusion emphasised the critical importance of timely detection and treatment in cases of sepsis, affirming the devastating consequences of lapses in patient care. Sharzia’s father, Khalad Sahid, lamented the loss of his beloved daughter and reflected on the profound impact on the family, particularly her young children and husband. He criticised the trust for its repeated failures and highlighted the preventable nature of Sharzia’s death had she received the necessary care. The legal team representing the family underscored the urgent need for the healthcare system to prioritise patient safety and uphold rigorous care standards to prevent similar tragedies.
The Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust expressed remorse for the shortcomings in Sharzia’s care, pledging a thorough review of the coroner’s findings to implement enhanced patient safety measures. While acknowledging the irreparable loss suffered by Sharzia’s family, the trust reiterated its commitment to delivering the highest level of care to all patients. The harrowing ordeal faced by Hassan Naseer and his sons serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of sepsis and the critical role of early intervention in saving lives. By sharing their story, the family hopes to raise awareness about the human cost of care failures, urging healthcare providers to prioritise vigilance and timely interventions to prevent similar tragedies. Despite the immense pain and grief, their resilience shines through as they seek accountability and advocacy for improved healthcare practices to safeguard future patients from avoidable harm.