In May of last year, 35-year-old Kerry Joanne Wilkins, a vibrant business owner from Clacton, Essex, suddenly found herself in a life-or-death battle after experiencing alarming symptoms like hot flushes, blotchy skin, and vomiting.
What seemed like a minor health issue quickly escalated into a devastating diagnosis that would leave her family reeling in disbelief.
Kerry, who was known for her infectious energy and being “the life and soul of the party,” went to Colchester Hospital, hoping to find answers.
But her experience was anything but straightforward.
Despite her severe condition, Kerry was made to wait for six hours before finally receiving medical attention.
After some time, blood tests confirmed that she was suffering from liver failure, a condition that, if not addressed swiftly, can be fatal.
A Shocking Decline
Kerry’s family struggled to comprehend how things unfolded.
Her sister, Jessica Matilda Wilkins, 31, felt that the medical staff had downplayed just how unwell Kerry truly was.
“We were in shock the whole time she was in the hospital – they were dismissing us,” Jessica recalled.
Kerry had always been healthy and active, enjoying holidays with her family and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
They never expected that she would succumb to such a rapid decline.
Kerry’s sudden deterioration left her family helpless and heartbroken.
“We thought she was going to pull through,” Jessica said. “I am still in shock now about how it unfolded.”
Jessica further expressed her frustration, saying that she believed Kerry should have been given a liver transplant.
The family is still left wondering why this option wasn’t pursued and, more importantly, what caused Kerry’s liver to fail in the first place.
They hope an inquest into her death later this year will provide some answers.
Desperate Moments in the Hospital
Kerry’s condition deteriorated alarmingly within just a day of being admitted.
She became delirious, her eyes turned grey, and she was unable to communicate.
Jessica remembered how she and the family tried to get medical attention, but the response from the nursing staff was dismissive.
“They were shouting at Kerry saying ‘answer, Kerry, your family want to speak to you,’ but she didn’t respond,” Jessica said.
During her sister’s hospitalization, Jessica also became concerned about a potential risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome.
She realized Kerry was on her period and asked the nurses if they had checked if she was wearing a tampon or pad.
Toxic Shock Syndrome, though rare, can be life-threatening, especially if menstrual products are left in for too long.
Jessica was alarmed when the nurses did not check, so she took Kerry to the toilet herself to assess the situation.
However, this only made Kerry more unwell.
“She fell to the floor, and when I screamed for help, no one came to assist me,” Jessica recalled, describing the scene as a moment of deep fear and helplessness.
Questions About Medical Decisions
As Kerry’s condition worsened, she became unable to recognize her family members, adding to the family’s distress.
Jessica then questioned the medical team about why Kerry wasn’t being given antibiotics, and the response she received was that the doctors were waiting to see how Kerry would react to the current medication.
Shortly after, Kerry fell unconscious and was transferred to intensive care as her organs began to fail.
It was only then that the doctors administered the antibiotics Jessica had requested earlier.
“Why did they let her get to that state before they helped her?” Jessica asked, her voice filled with disbelief and sorrow.
A Family’s Unbearable Loss
Kerry’s unexpected death has left a gaping hole in her family’s lives. Jessica described her sister as the “life and soul” of every gathering.
“She lit up the room – she was the best person,” Jessica said.
The loss feels unbearable, and her family struggles to come to terms with the sudden and tragic turn of events.
“We feel like we’ve lost our right arm.”
An inquest into Kerry’s death is scheduled to take place at Seax House in Chelmsford, Essex, on October 23, where further details about the circumstances surrounding her death are expected to be revealed.
Hospital’s Response
Dr. Tim Leary, from East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Colchester Hospital, extended his condolences to Kerry’s family.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by the family and stated that they have been addressed through the hospital’s patient advice and liaison team.
“We encourage patients and family members to raise concerns regarding the care they receive, and we are happy to look into these,” Dr. Leary said.
He also emphasized that liver transplants involve numerous factors and may not always be suitable for every patient.
As the family awaits answers, they continue to grieve the loss of a woman who meant so much to so many.