An investigation into a man’s death found the care he was given at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital reduced his chances of survival from sepsis.

The 77-year-old was admitted in January 2012 with severe health problems and the severity of his condition was not spotted from more than two hours, until he was seen by a doctor, who suspected he might have sepsis.

Antibiotics were not started until four hours after he was admitted, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) found.

The investigation by PHSO said the care the man received during the first stage of admission did not meet the expected standard and reduced his chances of recovery.

Julie Mellor, PHSO, said: "Sepsis is a treatable condition, but too many people are dying unnecessarily from it because NHS services are failing to spot the warning signs."

The trust paid his daughter £1,200 in compensation for the distress and to acknowledge and apologise for the failings.

His daughter said: "My father went into hospital with sepsis and never returned home again. Nothing in this world can replace him and all the family are devastated by such a loss."

Suzanne Rankin, chief executive at Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "Firstly I would like to offer my personal condolences to this individual family on their loss and I absolutely recognise the devastating impact the passing of a loved one has, particularly in these circumstances.

"Sepsis is a condition that requires urgent treatment and it’s clear that, whilst much of the care given in this case was good, we failed to recognise those early, critical symptoms.

"As indicated by the ombudsman, like many other hospitals we acknowledge that we haven’t been managing sepsis as well as we could and we are fully committed to improving the way we diagnose and treat this critical condition."