Paul Stewart Laing’s cause of death was revealed earlier this week, following his passing in 2023. The TV producer and director behind classic 1970s shows like Celebrity Squares and New Faces.
Paul launched the careers of countless stars from Marti Caine to Lenny Henry and Victoria Wood. An inquest held at Exeter Coroner’s Court earlier this week noted he’d been struggling with worsening gallstone issues for eight years.
He seemed to be making strides in recovery after the surgery. However, he was rushed to Derriford Hospital via ambulance when his condition drastically deteriorated nine days post-surgery, according to Devon Live.
He was diagnosed with sepsis and rushed into emergency surgery. The TV legend tragically suffered a cardiac arrest after being anaesthetised and passed away shortly thereafter.
The official medical cause of death was determined as septicemia due to abdominal sepsis as a result of the elective surgery. Sepsis is noted as a potential risk of gallbladder surgery.
Sepsis is a life threatening condition that can move incredibly quickly but is hard to spot, usually until the situation is dire. The NHS notes there’s many potential symptoms of sepsis that may mimic other more common health issues.
However, the health service urges anyone who believes they may have the warning signs of sepsis to go to A&E or call 999. Ultimately, it highlights: “Trust your instincts.”
The symptoms will also appear differently depending on the age of the patient. Babies or young children may develop a number of warning signs on their skin including blue, grey, pale or blotching on their skin, lips or tongue. It may be easier to spot these signs on the hands or soles of the feet for children with darker complexions.
They may also develop a rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it. Other symptoms include fast or difficult breathing, such as grunting noises or stomach sucking in under their ribcage, breathlessness, loss of interest in feeding or being sleepier than usual.
Adults or older children may also experience blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue, which again may be easier to spot on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Rashes, difficulty breathing and being confused, slurring speech or generally making less sense than usual can also be major warning signs.
Sepsis can be particularly hard to spot in people who are generally less able to communicate their symptoms such as babies, people with dementia, learning disabilities or communication difficulties. If you do head to A&E the NHS advises bringing any medications you usually take and if you’re not entirely sure it’s sepsis, it’s best to call 111 who can further advise on your symptoms.