Recognising sepsis in young children: what parents need to know

Coronial proceedings in 2025 in NSW also highlighted the importance of certain clinical warning signs in children, including markedly elevated heart rates and grunting while breathing. Medical experts described these as important indicators of serious illness that warrant careful assessment.

Importantly, not every child with these symptoms will have sepsis. However, they are signs that a child may be seriously unwell and should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional.

What is a paediatric sepsis pathway?

A paediatric sepsis pathway is a structured clinical assessment tool used in hospitals to help healthcare professionals recognise possible sepsis early, respond quickly, and manage sepsis consistently.

The pathway is designed to help clinicians:

• identify warning signs associated with sepsis
• measure and assess vital signs
• escalate concerns when risk factors are present
• arrange appropriate investigations
• commence treatment without unnecessary delay

Evidence heard in the NSW coronial inquest highlighted concerns about failures to activate the paediatric sepsis pathway when warning signs were present, with experts emphasising the importance of following established protocols for children who may have sepsis.

While every clinical situation is different, sepsis pathways exist because early intervention can make a significant difference to outcomes.

What should parents do if they feel their concerns are being dismissed?

Most healthcare professionals work hard to listen to patients and families. However, there may be times when parents feel their concerns about a child's deterioration are not being fully understood. If you're worried, it's important to advocate for your child.

Clearly explain what’s changed

Be as specific as possible. Rather than saying your child seems unwell, explain what you've observed:

"They're breathing much faster than normal."

"They're harder to wake up."

"They're not acting like themselves."

Specific observations can help clinicians understand why you're concerned.

Ask direct questions

You can ask:

"Could this be sepsis?"

"What is causing these symptoms?"

"What signs would make you more concerned?"

"What should happen if my child gets worse?"

Don't be afraid to seek clarification if you don't understand the explanation you've been given.

Ask for a senior review

If your concerns remain unresolved, ask whether a senior doctor, paediatrician, or another member of the treating team can review your child. A fresh assessment can sometimes provide additional perspective.

Use hospital escalation processes

Many Australian hospitals have systems that allow patients and families to escalate concerns about a deteriorating patient.

Evidence heard during the recent NSW inquest referred to the REACH (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) program, which is designed to allow families to raise concerns and request a clinical review.

If your child is in hospital and you're worried, ask staff whether a patient or family escalation process is available.

Can a hospital be negligent if sepsis is missed?

Not every missed diagnosis amounts to medical negligence. However, there are situations where a delayed or missed diagnosis of sepsis may raise questions about whether appropriate care was provided.

Examples may include allegations that:

• important symptoms or warning signs were not recognised
• appropriate investigations were not performed
• clinical concerns were not escalated
• established protocols or pathways were not followed
• treatment was delayed when earlier intervention was warranted

To establish medical negligence, it’s generally necessary to show not only that the care fell below an acceptable standard, but also that the delay or error caused avoidable harm.

Every case depends on its own facts and usually requires detailed review by independent medical experts.

The impact of delayed sepsis diagnosis

Sepsis does not always result in death. Many people survive sepsis but experience significant long-term complications that affect their health, employment, independence, and quality of life.

Tracy’s story, about surviving sepsis, shares the experience of a client who alleges her sepsis was not recognised despite investigations indicating a serious bacterial infection. Following a delayed diagnosis, Tracy developed septic shock and continues to live with lasting health complications.

Her story highlights an important reality: sepsis is a medical emergency, and timely recognition matters.

When should you seek legal advice?

If you believe that you or your child suffered serious harm because sepsis was missed, diagnosed too late, or not treated appropriately, legal advice may help you understand your options.

A medical negligence lawyer can investigate what happened, obtain relevant medical records, seek independent expert opinions and advise whether there may be a claim.

We'll support you through every step of the process.

Our medical negligence team has extensive experience helping patients and families affected by delayed diagnosis and treatment.

If you have concerns about the care you or your child received, we're here to listen and help you understand your rights. Contact our medical negligence lawyers today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.