Anna Gaia Esposito attended A&E on March 31 last year with a high temperature and a rash alongside a persistent ear infection.
The 31-year-old had the immune disorder lupus, but instead of being admitted into hospital and put onto the sepsis pathway she was sent home.
She returned to the hospital two days later and was already in multi-organ failure caused by septic shock.
She died in hospital on April 3.
Anna Gaia’s mum said ‘her love, her light, and the memory of who she was will remain with us’ (Image: Fieldfisher)
Her mum, Maria Mosaria, said: “It is deeply painful to live with the thought that perhaps some things could have been understood and addressed differently.
“As a mother, I will always carry within me the weight of unanswered questions…we will miss her voice, her smile, her presence forever. But her love, her light, and the memory of who she was will remain with us.”
North London coroner Andrew Walker found the decision not to admit Anna Gaia on March 31 was a “failure to provide basic medical care”.
Mr Walker said: “It is possible and may be probable that had a further period of continued observation or admission been undertaken the outcome may have changed.
“Miss Esposito had begun only showing signs of physiological derangement and was at that point at medium risk.”
Anna Gaia (Image: Fieldfisher)
The coroner also concluded that giving steroids to Anna Gaia probably accelerated the development of the infection into sepsis, due to the fact she had compromised immunity.
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust said: “We would like to share our heartfelt condolences with Ms Esposito’s family and are deeply sorry that we did not identify and treat her sepsis sooner.
“Following a thorough investigation, we have strengthened our approach to recognising and responding to sepsis. We have enhanced training for clinical staff to reinforce the signs and risks of sepsis and ensure potential symptoms are identified and acted on without delay.
“We have also introduced real-time digital alerts to help clinicians identify patients at risk of developing sepsis, alongside a mandatory assessment process designed to support faster diagnosis and treatment.”
Anna Gaia (Image: Fieldfisher)
Despite the trust’s apology, Anna Gaia’s family said they remain shocked about the failings in her care.
They added that they are devastated that her son will grow up without his mum.
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Fieldfisher law firm represented the family at the inquest and in an ongoing medical negligence claim.
Solicitor Marcos Eleftheriou said: “This tragic case, which resulted in the loss of a young mother, is a stark reminder of the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of sepsis at the earliest opportunity, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.
“We welcome the trust’s acceptance of responsibility and hope that lessons are learned to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”