Sepsis
What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a complication of an infection when the body's own response to infection causes damage to organs (sepsis was previously known as septicaemia or blood poisoning). If it isn't spotted and treated quickly it can be very serious and can lead to multi-organ failure and death.
Lifesaving treatment is often simple treatment such as fluids and antibiotics. Patients have a much better outcome when this treatment is received them promptly after showing the signs of sepsis.
What are the signs ?
- Slurred speech or confusion or loss of consciousness
- Severe shivering or muscle pain
- Severe breathlessness
- Less urine production than normal - e.g. not urinating for a day
- Cold, clammy, bluish or mottled skin
If you have an infection and start to feel unwell with any of these signs seek medical advice urgently.
On 13 September 2019 as part of World Sepsis day, the SKIP team made this short information film about the signs and symptoms to look out for concerning sepsis.
What are we doing at RUH Bath to tackle sepsis?
Here at the RUH we have huge improvements in screening for and treating sepsis. Our staff have regular training on sepsis and how to spot it.
We ran a 60-day campaign in 2016 to raise awareness and provide training. Over 600 staff received training during the 60 days.
Our training is ongoing. We have a dedicated sepsis nurse to support staff in understanding sepsis and to help with delivering quick lifesaving treatment.
We have steps in place to ensure all patients who admitted to the RUH and show any of the early signs of sepsis or begin to look unwell will be screened for sepsis to assess the risk of them having it.
Some of our achievements and recognition for them include:
- We were shortlisted as finalists for the National Patient Safety Care Awards in 2016 for our innovative sepsis training programme
- We were also acknowledged in the Health Education England Report on "Getting it right: The current state of sepsis education and training for healthcare staff across England Education in sepsis"
- Every year at the RUH we acknowledge World sepsis day in September with numerous awareness and training events and supported events in local community to raise awareness
Further sources of advice and support
Sepsis : a guide for patients (Patient Information Leaflet)