Publish date: 11 September 2024
Blackpool teaching Hospitals is using World Sepsis Day to raise awareness of this life-threatening condition among patients, families and carers as well as NHS colleagues.
Sepsis occurs when the body's immune system - which is meant to fight against disease and infection - starts to attack the body's own tissues and organs. If it is not recognised early and managed immediately, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure and death.
It claims more lives in the UK every year than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined, and can arise from something as innocuous as a small cut.
This World Sepsis Day on Friday, 13 September, teams from Blackpool Teaching Hospitals will be taking the opportunity to share information on symptoms and training for colleagues as well as engaging with visitors to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Chris Barben, Medical Director at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said “Symptoms can be vague and it’s so important to react quickly to identify and treat people with suspected cases.
“The Trust has made significant progress in identifying, treating and managing sepsis among patients. We’ve introduced specialised sepsis trolleys into key areas of the hospital such as the Emergency Department, and introduced sepsis ‘grab bags’ on the wards, which contain essential equipment to start treatment quickly.
“We will use World Sepsis Day to remind our own colleagues of its importance and help people understand potential symptoms. We would encourage people to take the opportunity to learn more about the symptoms of sepsis, which include slurred speech or confusion, extreme shivering or muscle pain and if you are concerned, ask for help.”
If you want to know more about sepsis please visit The UK Sepsis Trust website or find out more about the symptoms on the NHS website.
