Sam Harmel secures a finding of neglect

Sam Harmel represented the family of Eric Shrouder at an Inquest into his death.

Eric was admitted to hospital on 1st April 2024 complaining of right sided flank pain. A CT scan revealed swelling to the kidneys, caused by a build-up of urine. He was referred to Sandwell Hospital’s Urology Team and transferred to the Surgical Assessment unit that day. At review, the on-call Senior House Officer recommended antibiotics, which were not given until the following morning.

Later that night, Eric’s condition worsened with tachycardia and hypotension. Fluids were administered, but sepsis was not considered, and his care was not escalated. His condition deteriorated further at 2:37am on 2nd April 2025, prompting an Emergency Medical Response (EMRT) alert, and fluids and further tests were advised. Another EMRT was triggered at 5:45am, but again, sepsis was not considered, and his care was, again, not escalated.

A urology review at 9:25am confirmed the need for urgent surgical drain. The Urology Registrar and Consultant Interventional Radiologist discussed the procedure, but due to poor communication, the urgency was not understood, and the procedure was not carried out.

When Eric was reviewed by the Consultant Urologist, his condition had significantly worsened. He was referred for an out of hours procedure, but during preparation for transfer, he suffered a cardiac arrest and did not recover. He died later that day from multi-organ failure due to sepsis caused by the infected kidneys.

The gross failure by the clinicians to properly communicate the need for emergency lifesaving surgery resulted in the Coroner concluding that Eric died of natural causes contributed to by neglect. Sam Harmel was instructed by Victoria Fullilove, a Senior Associate for Anthony Collins Solicitors.