A West London family has thanked Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for its life-saving treatment of their daughter, after she contracted invasive group A strep earlier this year.
Sofia, then aged 17 months, contracted the illness in February 2023 – with her symptoms initially seeming like a cold. A few days later, Sofia wasn’t bearing weight on her legs, her fever had increased, she was experiencing slightly raspy breathing and was becoming more and more lethargic.
Feeling something wasn’t right, Sofia’s family took her to A&E at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital where she was quickly assessed and given IV antibiotics as her condition continued to deteriorate. By this point, Sofia was barely conscious, her body almost entirely swollen, and with rashes spreading all over.
Action was taken to treat for invasive group A strep – a move which ultimately helped save her life.
Sofia was so unwell that she spent seven weeks in hospital. During that time, her infected hip joint- caused by her illness – was operated on four times and she received six general anaesthetics. During her stay at Chelsea and Westminster, Sofia’s parents said that the doctors caring for her were quick to identify and address problems that arose. Her family are incredibly grateful to clinicians for decisively treating for invasive group A strep when they did.
While Strep A is a common type of bacteria spread by close contact with an infected person – with most infections mild and easily treated – in serious cases the bacteria can become invasive and life-threatening. Early indicators of invasive group A strep include a high fever, muscle aches, localised muscle tenderness and diarrhoea or vomiting.
As she celebrates her second birthday, Sofia’s parents Nikki and Peter are thanking the Trust and have launched an awareness and fundraising campaign for the hospital’s charity and Sepsis UK.
Sofia’s mum Nikki said:
“We know we are the lucky ones. After Sofia’s battle with this illness, we are determined to raise awareness of invasive group A Strep – both in parents and in health professionals – of the need for fast diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms can change and deteriorate very quickly – so trust your instincts and seek help if something doesn’t feel right. Ask the question, could it be strep A?’
“We also want to say a big thank you to everyone at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, who helped save our daughter’s life. The decisive action by doctors in A&E to treat for invasive group A Strep means that our little girl was well enough to walk down the aisle at our wedding this summer, although there is a chance she may need further surgery in the future. I am grateful to the hospital team for monitoring her so closely and their ongoing support.”
Inspired and motivated by Sofia’s story, her family are now taking part in research studies to help understand more about infectious diseases and how they affect people differently. They have also launched a fundraising campaign to raise awareness for invasive group A Strep and support other families affected. Find out more here.
Half of the money raised will go to CW+, the Trust’s official charity, whose Thirty at Thirty campaign aims to raise £30m to support the ongoing delivery of outstanding care.
