Maya Siek, a six-year-old girl, tragically died from sepsis caused by influenza after being inappropriately discharged from Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate, Kent. Her death raises concerns about medical care and patient safety.
Maya Siek, a six-year-old girl, died from sepsis caused by influenza on December 21, 2022, at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, Kent. This occurred days after she was discharged from the same hospital where she was being treated for what was suspected to be tonsillitis. Upon discharge, she had been given antibiotics. The hospital later apologized following an investigation that highlighted she was “inappropriately discharged” due to insufficient senior clinical oversight and the busy state of the department.
During the inquest into Maya’s death, details emerged about her initial hospital visit. Her mother, Magdalena Wisniewska, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the medical care her daughter received, indicating that symptoms including tummy pains and an unusual coldness were overlooked. Maya collapsed twice, and after her condition worsened post-discharge, she was brought back to the hospital and eventually diagnosed with sepsis. Despite treatment, her condition deteriorated and she lost her life.
The hospital’s response indicated that the challenging conditions, namely a surge in patient numbers due to Covid and influenza, impacted the decision-making process. Dr. Andrew Mortimer, involved in overseeing the department at the time, acknowledged the difficult circumstances and noted that different factors influence decisions on whether a patient should be admitted or discharged.
This case continues to be investigated, and the inquest probing Maya’s death is ongoing.