Jason Watkins: I took it ‘really personally’ that sepsis care has not changed

The Crown star and his wife Clara’s daughter, Maude, age two, died in 2011 and he has been campaigning for changes to health care.

An NHS ombudsman report, released in October, found that “the same serious failings are still happening” a decade on from a previous document.

It added that action is “urgently needed” as errors were outlined including: delays in diagnosing and treating sepsis; poor communication between healthcare staff; sub-standard record-keeping; and missed opportunities for follow-up care.

On Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain, Watkins, 61, said: “It was a real body-blow to think that, just a few weeks ago, the ombudsman’s report on sepsis care said that ‘nothing had really changed’ so I took it really personally.

“I had a couple of really difficult days because you feel lost. I felt a bit like a victim again – of sepsis, and for parents who have lost loved ones.

“Because people who have lost loved ones feel that; you feel that fate has dealt you a horrific blow.”

He also said: “I do feel that the Government needs to step up in terms of a national database and a national awareness campaign, as well as funding individual trusts for sepsis.

“The ombudsman report is there for a reason. And the report says its (measures to prevent sepsis) haven’t worked so it’s the Government’s responsibility.”

The Government has committed to English hospitals introducing Martha’s Rule, which gives patients the right to a second opinion if they believe their concerns are being dismissed by NHS staff.

The rule was named after a coroner found that Martha Mills, who died aged 13 in 2021, would most likely have survived if doctors had identified the warning signs and transferred her to intensive care earlier.

Her mother, Merope, has since campaigned for more power to be put back into the hands of patients and families.

Watkins also tried to raise awareness for other parents to think about the issue.

He said: “As a parent you must say, ‘Could it be sepsis?’

“When you take your child to the GP, when you think they’ve got a chest infection, which is what I did with Maude, you must be able to say that and they have to rule sepsis out first.

“Martha’s Rule is a brilliant way of reminding people – parents, doctors and nurses.”

In response to the report – Spotlight on sepsis: your stories, your rights – an NHS England spokesperson said in October that the health service is “working to improve the identification and management of sepsis” and “there have been improvements”.

They added: “However, we know there is more work to be done and patients and families are able to escalate care for hospital patients if they see deterioration or have concerns and, as professional guidance for doctors in England sets out, it is essential that any patient’s wishes on this are respected.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “The safety of all patients is of vital importance, and we have made significant improvements to strengthen protections for patients including publishing the first NHS Patient Safety Strategy.

“The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is looking at how best to update guidance on the diagnosis and response to sepsis, to ensure the best treatment is always provided quickly and we are exploring how sepsis guidance can be provided in the training of healthcare workers.

“We are also working closely with NHS England, the Patient Safety Commissioner, clinical experts, and patient representatives to urgently look at the implementation of ‘Martha’s Rule’, and the evidence on what works to support patients and their families seeking a second opinion.”

NHS England have been asked for comment.