Mum from Leeds who lost legs and hands to sepsis during birth speaks of long-term impact
A mum from Leeds, who lost her legs and hands to sepsis around the time of giving birth at the LGI tells us it's impacted every aspect of her life.
A woman who had her limbs amputated after getting sepsis around the time of giving birth in Leeds is opening up to us about her experience.
Cecilia De Ita and her husband are just one of many families who campaigned for an independent inquiry into failings at Leeds Hospitals NHS Trust maternity units.
That came to fruition and the first meeting is being held tomorrow (Saturday 18 July) led by former midwife Donna Ockenden, who was in charge of a similar review in Nottingham.
Cecilia said: "I woke up two weeks afterwards after giving birth with my limbs all necrotic black, I was almost two weeks in a coma. It was a horrendous time for my family as well, because my husband was told many times I don't think she'll make it. My family was told to say goodbye a couple of times."
She explained how she relies on her wheelchair to chase her baby.
Explaining how it has impacted her long-term she said: "I was also someone who loved walking, I walked everywhere, it was one of my hobbies. My livelihood was based on walking and nature, which I can't do anymore."
Brendan Brown, Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am deeply sorry to families whose babies have sadly died or who have been harmed when receiving care in our hospitals.
“I know apologies are not enough, and we are absolutely committed to working openly, honestly and transparently with Donna Ockenden and the review team, and with families who have used our services. We hope this review will provide families with the answers they deserve.
“Significant improvements are already underway in our maternity and neonatal services; we know there is much more to do and we are committed to improve and ensure that every family receives safe, compassionate, inclusive, and high-quality care.”