Welsh Health Board launches Sepsis Awareness Campaign after an inquest found a 9 year old boy died due to a "gross failure of basic care"

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has launched a Sepsis Awareness Campaign, following the death of Dylan Cope at The Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran in December 2022. The Health Board are working in conjunction with The UK Sepsis Trust and bereaved mother Corinne Cope.

Dylan Cope attended A&E at The Grange University Hospital in December 2022 with severe abdominal pain. He had already been seen by his GP who suspected appendicitis and sent him to hospital with a note asking that they check his appendix. Unfortunately, this was not read by the doctor at the hospital and Dylan was discharged with advice about flu. 

Tragically, following discharge Dylan suffered a burst appendix which led to sepsis and he died 8 days later. The doctor who examined Dylan has never been identified. 

On 30 April 2025 Aneurin Bevan University Health Board issued a public apology to Dylan's family on it's Facebook page stating: 

“We want to begin by expressing our deepest condolences and heartfelt apologies to Dylan Cope’s family following the findings of the inquest into his tragic death. Dylan passed away from sepsis on 14th December 2022 at just nine years old. His death was preventable, and we fully accept the coroner’s conclusions and take full responsibility for the failings in his care.”

On the same day the Health Board also announced that it was launching a Sepsis Awareness Campaign. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Launches Sepsis Awareness Campaign - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board

Sepsis is a potentially life threatening condition and symptoms of sepsis, particularly in young children and babies, people with dementia, people with learning disabilities and people who have difficulty communicating can be difficult to spot. 

The Health Board aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of sepsis in the different age groups and provides the following advice in relation to sepsis symptoms: 

Babies and young children may have sepsis if they:

• Are breathing very fast
• Have a fit or convulsion
• Look mottled, bluish, or pale – on darker skin tones, colour changes may appear on the inner forearms or palms
• Have a rash that does not fade when pressed
• Are very lethargic or difficult to wake
• Feel abnormally cold to the touch

A child under 5 may have sepsis if they:

• Are not feeding
• Are vomiting repeatedly
• Have not passed urine for 12 hours

Symptoms in adults or older children include:

Slurred speech or confusion
Extreme shivering or muscle pain
Passing no urine (in a day)
Severe breathlessness
It feels like you’re going to die
Skin mottled or discoloured

Unfortunately, failures to identify and treat sepsis correctly can have devastating consequences. Sepsis should be treated with the same degree of urgency as a stroke or heart attack. The sooner you are diagnosed and treatment starts, the greater your chance of a favourable outcome and recovery.

If you have experienced a delay in diagnosing or treating sepsis by a GP, emergency doctor or clinician, this could amount to negligence. If you have concerns and would like further information about a possible claim then you can drop me a line or further information in relation to sepsis and meningitis claims can be found on our dedicated website page Sepsis & Meningitis Medical Negligence Claim Solicitors