Nurse who lost three limbs to sepsis found dead by husband, inquest hears

A nurse who lost both her legs and an arm to sepsis had taken her own life, an inquest has heard.

Jayne Carpenter, 53, developed sepsis four years ago after suffering a simple cough.

Sepsis develops when your body overreacts to an infection and is often called a silent killer, as symptoms may initially point to a less serious condition.

Jayne, who had inspired many people, fundraised to try and get pioneering limb surgery available on the NHS. She had raised over £20,000 of her £265,000 target, but said she was "not having quality of life but enduring it."

After being diagnosed with severe sepsis in 2016 and admitted to intensive care, Jayne went into respiratory failure before suffering multiple organ failure.

As gangrene set in, surgeons were forced to amputate both of her legs, as well as her left arm below the elbow and four fingers on her right hand.

Jayne's heartbroken husband Rob Carpenter, 56, told the inquest in Merthyr Tydfil that he arrived home to find his wife had died in December 2020.

He described Jayne as "an amazing person" and said: Tthe brightest star in my sky has burnt out."

He also said she was a "happy, bubbly, sociable person" who had a passion for "travelling around the world" when they first met.

After her amputations, Mr Carpenter said his wife "put all her effort into regaining her life" and "she amazed us as a family".

But in November 2020, he noticed a "sudden decline" in Jayne's mental health and she began to drink more alcohol. She also took an overdose on two occasions with the restriction from the coronavirus pandemic stopping her enjoy the things that were important to her.

The Assistant Coroner for South Wales Central, Dr Sarah-Jane Richards, said "undoubtedly, her loss of limbs inflicted a life-changing loss to this previously healthy and active woman".She also said that her death was "in the context of traumatic, life-changing events having challenged her desire to live".

A coroner concluded a narrative verdict that Jayne died "in circumstances where her intention could not be discerned".

• When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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