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Sepsis Missteps, Bed Shortages Exposed at Inquest into Steve James’ Daughter’s Death

Paramedics’ testimony underscores how failures to diagnose sepsis alongside hospital bed shortages jeopardised urgent care

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Overview

  • Bethan James, a 21-year-old journalism student diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, died on February 9, 2020, from sepsis, pneumonia and her underlying condition after multiple clinical encounters
  • Family witnesses told the inquest that doctors repeatedly dismissed her worsening symptoms, with one consultant attributing her condition to a migraine rather than investigating infection
  • Emergency Medical Technician Aaron Hook said no pre-alert was sent ahead of Bethan’s arrival and that a senior nurse reported no beds were available, delaying her transfer to resuscitation
  • Paramedics and relatives argued that early recognition and treatment of sepsis through established protocols could have prevented her rapid decline
  • The ongoing hearing at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court is examining systemic failures under Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and will determine lessons for future sepsis care