What led to Dhananji Denawakage Dona's death?

Dhananji Denawakage Dona died from sepsis, which was not diagnosed and treated promptly after her admission to Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Were sepsis screening tools used at Royal Stoke University Hospital?

According to the coroner's report, sepsis screening tools were not used for Dhananji Denawakage Dona during her assessment in A&E.

What action has been recommended following the death at Royal Stoke University Hospital?

The coroner has recommended that action be taken to prevent future deaths and called for changes to be made at the hospital trust, including the implementation of specialized prenatal early warning scores.

Home / Health / Coroner Demands Safety Changes After Sepsis Death

Coroner Demands Safety Changes After Sepsis Death

26 Jan

•

Summary

Woman's death deemed preventable due to delayed sepsis diagnosis.
Hospital trust failed to use sepsis screening tools.
Coroner calls for urgent safety improvements at the hospital.

Coroner Demands Safety Changes After Sepsis Death

A recent coroner's report has mandated safety improvements at a hospital trust following the preventable death of a patient. Dhananji Denawakage Dona was admitted to Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent while pregnant, presenting with bleeding and abdominal pain.

The area coroner for Staffordshire, Emma Serrano, determined that Dona was suffering from sepsis and a miscarriage. Her findings indicated a significant delay in her assessment within the A&E department, and crucially, a sepsis screening tool was not utilized.

University Hospitals of North Midlands, which manages the facility, has been contacted for comment regarding the report's conclusions. Dona's condition deteriorated, leading to her death on October 2, 2024.