The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service heard this week that a doctor practising at the King’s College Hospital in London had failed to provide adequate care to Martha Mills, the 13 year old who died from sepsis after an accident on her bike in 2021.
The tribunal found that there were ‘gross failings’ in the care provided to Martha by Professor Thompson and his failings were ‘particularly grave’. The tribunal decided however, that it would take no further action against him and he could continue practising, both at home and abroad.
Leading medical negligence solicitor Diane Rostron said: “This is a truly disappointing outcome. Both the inquest into Martha’s death, and now the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service, have found that Martha’s life could have been saved had she been given the appropriate level of medical care.
“She came into the King’s College Hospital with an injury to her pancreas. Dr Thompson did not conduct a physical examination which is difficult to understand. He failed to recognise the warning signs that her condition was serious, and her parents’ concerns that she was deteriorating were ignored.
“Martha developed sepsis and died as a result at the tender age of 13. Sepsis is a treatable condition. Martha should not have died but for the negligence of Dr Thompson. Sadly, this is not the first time that a medical professional’s gross failings have been met by little more than a mild reprimand.
“We have represented many bereaved families who have taken their concerns to the GMC. We have not witnessed justice being served in any of these cases either by the GMC nor the now independent Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service. We cannot comprehend a finding of ‘gross negligence’ and decisions made during patient care described as ‘particularly grave’ leading to an outcome of no further action against the doctor responsible. Martha’s family, as all families who have suffered a loss due to avoidable medical errors, deserve so much better.”
Since Martha’s death Martha’s Rule has been introduced giving families the right to a second opinion if sepsis is suspected and medical professionals fail to act in a timely manner.