healthcare, society
tragic
impactful

Belfast grandmother battles sepsis in Dubai while aiding pregnant daughter

2024-09-23 20:52
most populous city in the United Arab Emirates and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai
city of the United Kingdom, capital of Northern Ireland
  • Lesley Poots traveled to Dubai to help her pregnant daughter but developed sepsis after contracting a sickness bug.
  • She was found unconscious and admitted to the ICU, where doctors confirmed organ failure and critical condition.
  • The family is facing significant medical expenses and has started a fundraiser to support her treatment and potential return to the UK.

Express your sentiment!

Insights

Lesley Poots, a 58-year-old woman from Belfast, traveled to Dubai to assist her pregnant daughter, Lauren. Unfortunately, during her visit, she contracted a severe sickness bug that led to her developing sepsis. On September 15, she began showing symptoms, and her condition worsened significantly by the following Friday, prompting her daughter to take her to the hospital for treatment. Upon arrival at the emergency department, Lesley was found unconscious and unresponsive. Medical staff quickly identified that she was suffering from sepsis and organ failure, which required immediate intensive care. Doctors indicated that she was critically ill and had been close to death when discovered. Currently, Lesley is on a ventilator and undergoing kidney dialysis due to severe liver failure. The family has been informed that her condition is dire, and they are unable to stay with her during this critical time. The medical expenses have already reached £15,000 within the first 24 hours, and they anticipate costs could escalate to hundreds of thousands. In light of these overwhelming circumstances, Lauren has initiated an online fundraiser to help cover the medical bills and potential costs of flying her mother back to the UK if she recovers. The family is grateful for the support they have received but is also facing the emotional toll of the situation, hoping for a miracle in Lesley’s recovery.

Contexts

A Belfast grandmother is currently battling sepsis in Dubai while assisting her pregnant daughter. This situation highlights the challenges faced by families during critical times, especially when health issues arise unexpectedly abroad. In a broader context, Northern Ireland has recently faced setbacks in various areas, including the failure of the Casement Park project, which has resulted in the loss of the opportunity to host Euro 2028 matches. This has raised concerns about the management of sports facilities in the region, reflecting a disconnect within the community regarding the implications of such failures. Additionally, the Home Office conducted a three-day operation in Belfast, resulting in the arrest of 14 immigration offenders, which underscores ongoing issues related to organized crime and immigration violations in the area. These events collectively illustrate the complexities and challenges faced by individuals and communities in Belfast, from personal health crises to broader societal issues, impacting the lives of residents and their families.

2023 All rights reserved