She died of septic shock after childbirth. Her family says faster treatment could’ve saved her
The tragic story of Ravinder Kaur Sidhu, a mother of three who lost her life to septic shock after giving birth to her third child, has raised concerns about sepsis protocols in hospitals throughout Ontario. Sidhu’s family believes that her death could have been preventable if medical staff at Credit Valley Hospital had acted more quickly when she first presented signs of sepsis.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes harm to its own tissue and organs. It is a leading cause of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
In Sidhu’s case, her symptoms of sepsis were not recognized and treated promptly, leading to a rapid deterioration in her condition. Despite displaying classic signs of sepsis, such as fever, elevated heart rate, and confusion, her medical records show that she did not receive diagnostic tests or antibiotics until nearly 29 hours after her initial symptoms.
Her family’s concerns were repeatedly dismissed by nursing staff, even after her sister, who is an ICU nurse, tried to advocate for her. By the time Ravinder was finally seen by an infectious disease specialist and prescribed antibiotics, it was too late.
The delay in treatment allowed the infection to spread, resulting in the necrosis of her uterus and ovaries. Despite her complaints of severe abdominal pain, the medical team focused on treating the infection in her leg instead.
Dr. John Marshall, a sepsis expert, emphasizes the importance of early recognition and treatment of sepsis. Guidelines recommend administering antibiotics within an hour of recognizing sepsis symptoms to improve outcomes.
Sidhu’s family is calling for improved sepsis protocols in hospitals, with a focus on recognizing symptoms and enhancing response times. They hope that by sharing their story, they can prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
Trillium Health Partners, the hospital system where Sidhu was treated, has stated that it takes concerns raised by patients and families seriously and has a thorough review process in place.
The heartbreaking loss of Ravinder Kaur Sidhu serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of sepsis and the importance of timely intervention in saving lives. Her family’s advocacy for improved sepsis protocols highlights the need for greater awareness and action in preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Following a recent tragic incident at Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga, where a patient passed away due to complications following a hysterectomy, concerns have been raised about the quality of care provided by medical staff. The patient, Ravinder, had undergone a hysterectomy on June 21, which revealed necrotic tissue in her uterus and ovaries. Despite being transferred to Sunnybrook Hospital the next day, she ultimately succumbed to her condition on June 23.
In response to this heartbreaking event, Ravinder’s husband, Gurinder Sidhu, has taken action by submitting complaints to regulatory bodies and the hospital itself. He is calling for a thorough investigation into the care provided by medical staff and is advocating for policy changes at the provincial level. Specifically, he is pushing for the implementation of a one-hour sepsis protocol in every birthing unit in the province to ensure timely and effective treatment for patients presenting with textbook symptoms.
The Ministry of Health has expressed its condolences for the tragic loss and emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standard of patient care in all hospitals. While they have not confirmed plans for a province-wide sepsis protocol, they have reassured the public that any necessary improvements will be implemented in the healthcare system.
In the wake of this incident, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) has highlighted the importance of clinical tools like the Modified Early Obstetrics Warning System (MEOWS) in monitoring patients and identifying those at risk. Dr. Sebastian Hobson, chair of the SOGC’s clinical obstetrics committee, emphasized the need for standardized practices to ensure optimal patient care across all healthcare facilities.
As Gurinder Sidhu navigates life as a single parent to three young children, he remains committed to advocating for improved healthcare practices in honor of his late wife’s legacy. He remembers her as a fighter and a beloved member of her community, whose passion for helping others lives on through his advocacy efforts.
In conclusion, the tragic loss of Ravinder serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of care in healthcare facilities. By implementing protocols like MEOWS and advocating for policy changes at the provincial level, we can strive to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of all patients. As the world continues to battle against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have been working tirelessly to develop effective treatments and vaccines to combat the virus. One of the most promising advancements in recent months has been the development of monoclonal antibody therapy.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. In the case of COVID-19, monoclonal antibodies are designed to target the spike protein on the surface of the virus, preventing it from entering and infecting human cells.
Several pharmaceutical companies have been conducting clinical trials to test the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody therapy in treating COVID-19 patients. Results from these trials have shown promising results, with some patients experiencing a reduction in symptoms and a quicker recovery time.
One of the main advantages of monoclonal antibody therapy is its ability to provide immediate immunity to individuals who have been exposed to the virus. This is especially important for high-risk individuals, such as healthcare workers and the elderly, who may not respond well to traditional vaccines.
While monoclonal antibody therapy shows great promise in the fight against COVID-19, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the cost of producing and administering these treatments on a large scale. Additionally, there may be concerns about the long-term effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies and the potential for the virus to develop resistance.
Despite these challenges, monoclonal antibody therapy represents a significant step forward in the fight against COVID-19. As more research is conducted and more data is collected, we can expect to see further advancements in this groundbreaking treatment. In the meantime, it is important for individuals to continue following public health guidelines and getting vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the virus.
