Aleisha Rochester, a 33-year-old mother from Croydon in south London, died from sepsis on 19 August 2023 after complications following a routine surgical procedure.
Rochester underwent a day procedure at St. Thomas’ Hospital on 5 August 2023 to remove abscesses from a condition called hidradenitis suppurativa.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, painful skin condition that causes abscesses, lumps, and scarring, usually in areas with sweat glands such as the armpits, groin, breasts, and buttocks. It occurs when hair follicles become blocked, leading to inflammation and recurring boil-like lesions that may leak pus.
According to a report by The Independent, the days following the surgery, the wound in her armpit became infected. She attended an out-of-hours GP appointment where she was prescribed penicillin-based antibiotics and later was diagnosed with a wound infection and discharged with instructions to continue the medication.
Her condition worsened, and on 14 August she attended St. Helier Hospital, where she received intravenous flucloxacillin, but the treatment did not adequately target the bacteria causing the infection.
By 17 August, her health had deteriorated significantly and she was admitted to intensive care with septic shock and multiple organ failure.
Despite aggressive treatment including ventilation and multiple antibiotics, Rochester suffered cardiac arrest in the early hours of 19 August and could not be resuscitated, according to the coroner’s report.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.
The condition can develop from infections anywhere in the body, including:
lungs (pneumonia)
urinary tract
skin
abdomen
If not treated quickly with appropriate antibiotics and supportive care, sepsis can progress to septic shock, organ failure, and death.
Sepsis continues to be a significant public health issue in the UK.
Data from the UK Sepsis Trust indicate that:
Around 245,000 people develop sepsis each year in the UK
Approximately 48,000 people die annually
On average, five people die every hour from sepsis in the UK
Globally, sepsis is responsible for an estimated 11 million deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
These statistics highlight the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), sepsis can affect anyone, but some groups are at higher risk.
People who may be more vulnerable include:
Infants and young children
Adults over the age of 75
Individuals with weakened immune systems
People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or kidney disease
Those who have recently undergone surgery or invasive medical procedures
Individuals with serious infections or injuries
Martha’s Rule, an NHS patient safety initiative, was initiated in honor of a young girl who died of sepsis. It allows families and patients to request an urgent clinical review if they feel a patient’s condition is deteriorating and their concerns are not being addressed.
Medical experts emphasize that early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are critical in managing sepsis. Delays in treatment or incorrect medication can allow the infection to spread rapidly, increasing the risk of organ damage and death.
References
NHS. “Who Can Get It – Sepsis.” NHS. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/who-can-get-it/.
The UK Sepsis Trust. “About Sepsis.” The UK Sepsis Trust. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://sepsistrust.org/about-sepsis/.
NHS. “Hidradenitis Suppurativa.” NHS. Accessed March 12, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hidradenitis-suppurativa