Overview

• William Hewes, a 22-year-old university student, died of sepsis caused by meningitis within 24 hours of being admitted to Homerton Hospital in January 2023.
• His mother, Dr. Deborah Burns, a consultant paediatrician at the same hospital, claims her warnings about his condition were dismissed by medical staff.
• Dr. Burns has faced nearly two years of resistance while seeking an open and thorough investigation into her son’s care to prevent similar cases in the future.
• The inquest into William’s death, initially scheduled for December 19, has been postponed to February 13, 2025, to examine potential delays in care and lessons to be learned.
• Homerton Hospital has since implemented 'Martha's Rule,' allowing patients and families to request urgent treatment reviews, and has expressed condolences to Dr. Burns and her family.