Loved Ones And Medical Negligence Lawyers Issue Warning After 28-Year-Old’s Death

A young Manchester mum died as a result of “neglect” after medics failed to give her appropriate antibiotics to treat sepsis for more than 25 hours.

Sharzia Bibi, aged 28, was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital’s emergency department at around 12.45pm on 14 November, 2023, complaining of severe stomach pain and bleeding. 

Doctors at Wyhtenshawe Hospital didn't consider Manchester mum Sharzia Bibi had sepsis

Medics believed she may have a water or pelvic infection but did not consider she had sepsis – where the body attacks itself in response to an infection. This was despite her having a high heart rate and decreased functional ability - signs of the life-threatening condition. 

A treatment plan for her to be given oral antibiotics was made. However, the mum-of-two did not receive these for nine hours. When she did, they were not suitable for her suspected and incorrect diagnosis and also contrary to hospital guidelines. 

Sharzia, of Levenshulme, should have been monitored every four hours because of her emergency admission. However, staff did not assess her for more than nine hours. 

Following concerns about her condition the following morning, Sharzia underwent emergency surgery at 12.30pm on 15 November. It was only then that she was diagnosed with sepsis.

She was transferred to intensive care and put on intravenous (IV) antibiotics. 

However, at around 8.25pm Sharzia suffered a cardiac arrest. She died in the early hours of the following morning. 

Medical negligence lawyers investigate Sharzia's Manchester hospital care

Following Sharzia’s death her loved ones, including husband Hassan Naseer, aged 30, instructed expert medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate and secure answers.  

Sharzia’s family has now spoken for the first time about the “devastating” impact her death has had on them. It is warning of the dangers of sepsis. 

Hospital Trust admits liability for Sharzia's death as inquest finds gross failings

It comes after Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Wythenshawe Hospital, admitted liability for Sharzia’s death in a civil claim brought by Irwin Mitchell. The Trust admitted that were it not for the failures in care, on the balance of probabilities, Sharzia would not have died when she did. 

A separate inquest at Manchester Coroner’s Court, where the family was also represented by Irwin Mitchell, has now concluded that Sharzia died of “neglect” following “gross failures” in her care. 

Sarah Sharples is the specialist medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Sharzia’s loved ones.

Expert Opinion

“This is a truly tragic case which has left Sharzia’s family devastated.

“Understandably her loved ones have had a number of questions about Sharzia’s care and whether more should have been to help her.

“Our own legal investigations, which resulted in the Trust admitting liability in a civil claim, and the inquest which concluded Sharzia died of neglect, have sadly validated those concerns.

“Nothing can ever make up for what’s happened, but we urge the Trust to reflect on this case and ensure patient safety is upheld at all times so other families don’t have to endure a similar trauma.

“Sharzia’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers of sepsis and how early detection and treatment are key to beating it.” Sarah Sharples

Husband Hassan issues sepsis warning as he pays tribute to exceptional wife

Hassan, who has been left to bring up the couple’s sons, Subhan and Abbas, aged four and two, said: “When I took Sharzia to hospital she was in excruciating pain but at no point was I given any indication she had sepsis. 

“The impact of her death on our family has been immense. Sharzia was an exceptional wife, mum, and daughter-in-law. Our lives changed forever from the moment she was taken from us far too soon. 

“As a young family we had so many hopes and dreams for the future that we’ll never get to fulfil. Now, as a single dad, I’m taking care of the children and am worried about their future. 

“I don’t think we’ll ever get over losing Sharzia in the way we did. It’s hard not to feel angry that I’ve lost my beautiful wife and that the kids have lost their amazing mummy. 

“I’ll always make sure that the children will know about their mum, how much she loved them and how proud she was of them, but it’s not the same as having her in their lives. 

“It’s too late for Sharzia but by speaking out I hope we can highlight the human cost of care issues so others don’t have to go through what we have. I wouldn’t wish the pain our family continues to experience on anyone.” 

Sharzia's dad calls for lessons to be learned

Sharzia’s dad, Khalad Sahid, 55 added: “Sharzia was my beloved daughter and will be missed dearly. 

“She’s left behind two beautiful boys who are now aged two and four as well as her devastated husband. For me as a father, this is beyond words. 

“The findings of the coroner demonstrates that Sharzia didn’t receive the basic medical care that she so desperately needed. 

“The Trust failed her repeatedly and in so many ways. It’s difficult not to think that Sharzia would still be alive had she had been given the care she deserved.”

An inquest at Manchester Coroner’s Court concluded on 18 March. It found Sharzia died of sepsis.

Coroner James Lester-Ashworth recorded a narrative conclusion, making six findings of gross failings in Sharzia’s care which amounted to neglect.  

Inquest findings

These were: 
• A failure to consider sepsis when Sharzia was initially reviewed by a doctor and she was showing signs of the condition. 

• A failure to provide the correct IV antibiotics for her possible diagnoses of a water or pelvic infection in line with the Hospital Trust’s anti-microbial policy. Instead, oral antibiotics were prescribed.

• A nine-hour delay before antibiotics were prescribed and a delay of over 25 hours in prescribing appropriate IV antibiotics.

• Given her emergency admission, Sharzia should have had observations every four hours. Between 9pm on 14 November and 6.14am the following day, no observations were undertaken.

• Monitoring of Sharzia’s fluid intake and urine output was inaccurate.

• IV fluids should have been given but were not and the nursing staff did not identify or report this to the medical team.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting patients and families affected by failings in sepsis care at our dedicated sepsis claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.