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It's no secret that when it comes to treating a medical diagnosis, time is of the essence.
Now, one mum has revealed the heartbreaking consequences of getting her sepsis treatment too late, after delays saw her lose both feet and all 10 of her fingers.
Sadie Kemp's ordeal began on Christmas day last year when she experienced a kidney stone that left her experiencing significant back pain.
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It was this pain that took her to A&E at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Cambs, where she was given pain relief and told to return the next day for a kidney scan.
However, when her pain persisted despite the treatment, she found herself back in the emergency department that night at 4:00am.
Within two hours, at around 5:40 am, it was speculated that she was also suffering from sepsis, but according to her medical record, treatment was not administered at the time.
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She was instead only treated for the life-threatening condition on Boxing Day, and this was after her health deteriorated further.
As reported by the NHS, sepsis is a 'life-threatening reaction to an infection', which ultimately results in an immune system overreaction that can damage your organs.
The North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust reports that Sadie should have been treated for sepsis at 6:35pm, but instead she had to wait until 10:00pm.
The mum of two ended up spending two weeks on life support after her dire condition saw her transferred to Peterborough City Hospital for the surgical removal of her kidney stone.
Now, an investigation has claimed that the delay in treatment worsened Sadie's condition, which ultimately saw her develop gangrene which required 'extensive amputation surgery' to treat.
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"While I wouldn't wish what's happened to me on anyone else, and it's vital that lessons are learned," Sadie said. "I also need to focus on what lies ahead.
"I want to be there for my kids, look after them and give them the best future I can.
"Making the best possible recovery and having access to the best support is key to that."
Sadie is now being helped by negligence lawyers Irwin Mitchel so that she can get the treatment she needs to help get her life back on track.
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She had private foot amputations at a cost of £18,000 from the ankle down in a bid to save more of her legs and make walking with permanent prosthetics an option.
This type of treatment is not currently available on the NHS.
Amie Minns, Sadie's lawyer, said: "The last few months and coming to terms with the life-changing consequences of Sadie's sepsis have been incredibly difficult, not only for her but her family.
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"She still faces an uncertain future and will need follow-up surgeries in the coming months.
"Understandably Sadie has had a number of concerns about what happened to her with the Hospital Trust’s investigation report finding extremely worrying issues in her care.
"We continue to investigate on Sadie's behalf to provide her with all the answers she deserves.
"We call on the Hospital Trust to work with us to resolve these concerns as quickly as possible."
The mum added: "Sepsis is an absolutely horrendous condition and more has to be done to raise awareness of how dangerous it is. I just hope that by speaking out I can help others."
Sepsis is unfortunately difficult to spot because it can mimic a number of other conditions but some of the symptoms include slurred speech, confusion, severe shivering and muscle pain.
Tyla has reached out to North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust for comment.
Featured Image Credit: SWNS