Maddy Lawrence 'could have survived' with earlier medicine - inquest

A rugby player could have survived if she had been given antibiotics to treat sepsis sooner, according to an expert at the inquest into her death.

Maddy Lawrence, 20, was admitted to hospital in Bristol after dislocating a hip in a University of the West of England rugby match in March 2022.

She developed an infection which likely led to sepsis or toxic shock syndrome, and destruction of body tissue.

Dr Chris Kosmidis said there were missed chances to give her antibiotics.

The expert, who specialises in infectious diseases at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "If the findings of the first operation [on 14 March] are correct, it was unlikely necrosis (destruction of body tissue) was present, and the outcome would have been more favourable."

He agreed, when asked by the coroner, that there was a 24-hour window when antibiotics could have made a difference to Ms Lawrence.

Asked during the hearing why Ms Lawrence rallied for a time on 12 March, when tests indicated she was improving, Dr Kosmidis said: "This would have been the effect of fluids, and that Maddy's body reserves were more substantial than others."

The consultant orthopaedic surgeon in charge of the care of Maddy Lawrence became emotional while giving evidence at her inquest.

Mr Andrew Riddick admitted it was a shock to find out what had happened to Maddy, days after he first took her under his care.

Mr Riddick agreed with the coroner that there was an element of unconscious bias in Maddy's case.

"I think you're right; she was fit and healthy," he replied.

"Maddy looked ok, in pain, but ok."

The coroner said his role was not just about Maddy's case, but also about preventing further deaths.

When answering questions from the family's barrister, Mr Riddick accepted there had been a number of serious failings including several missed opportunities to screen for sepsis.

He also discussed the teamwork between nursing staff, junior doctors and senior consultants, saying it had improved in the last 18 months.

Earlier, the inquest heard from Dr Ben Walton, one of the consultant anaesthetists who cared for Ms Lawrence in intensive care for the North Bristol NHS Trust.

Dr Walton described Ms Lawrence as "tough as old boots, with the best intentions".

"It's a testament to her she managed to get as far as she did to be honest," he added.

"Each time she went to theatre she would respond, but at the end it was overwhelming."

Ms Lawrence's family thanked Dr Walton and his team through the coroner, saying they had been satisfied he and his team had done everything they could to save her.

The inquest continues, and is expected to finish on Friday.

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