COMMENT CSJ THE CLINICAL SERVICES JOURNAL Editor
Louise Frampton
louiseframpton@stepcomms.com
Contributing Editor Suzanne Callander
Technical Editor Kate Woodhead
Business Manager
Gerry Boniface
gerryboniface@stepcomms.com
Sales Executive Peter Moon
petermoon@stepcomms.com
Journal Administration Katy Cockle
katycockle@stepcomms.com
Design Steven Dillon
Publisher Geoff King
geoffking@stepcomms.com
Publishing Director
Trevor Moon
trevormoon@stepcomms.com
THE CLINICAL SERVICES JOURNAL is published in January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October and November by Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1892 779999 Fax: +44 (0)1892 616177 Email:
csj@stepcomms.com Web:
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com
‘Thinking sepsis’ could save lives
Sepsis is a devastating condition that touches the lives of many – the UK Sepsis Trust estimates that there are more than 120,000 cases of sepsis and around 37,000 deaths each year in England. It is a subject that is very close to home – thanks to the quick response of my local Trust, my father was one of the lucky ones to receive prompt treatment when he arrived at A&E with symptoms that could so easily have been mistaken for flu or the onset of dementia in an elderly patient. I have no doubt that the quick actions and text book interventions of the staff on duty, on that day, saved his life. As I sat by my father’s bedside, in A&E, not once did it cross my mind that his confusion and shivering could be signs of something life threatening; not once did I ‘think sepsis’.
The condition affects people of all ages, but as a parent, the thought of missing the signs in my child is a terrifying thought, which is why I am pleased that the Health Secretary has launched a nationwide campaign that will help parents spot the symptoms of sepsis to protect young children and save lives. Clinicians and members of the public could save thousands of lives every year if they just asked: ‘could it be sepsis?’ The campaign is principally aimed at parents and carers of young children aged 0 to 4. It includes a film featuring mother and campaigner Melissa Mead, who lost her baby son William to sepsis in December 2014. Leaflets and posters are being sent to GP surgeries and hospitals across the country. These materials, developed with experts, will urge parents to call 999 or take their child to A&E if they display any of the following signs:
© Step Communications Ltd, 2017 Single copy: £19.00 per issue. Annual journal subscription: UK £114.00 Overseas: £150.00
ISSN NO. 1478-5641
The Publisher is unable to take any responsibility for views expressed by contributors. Editorial views are not necessarily shared by the journal. Readers are expressly advised that while the contents of this publication are believed to be accurate, correct and complete, no reliance should be placed upon its contents as being applicable to any particular circumstances.
This publication is copyright under the Berne Convention and the International Copyright Convention. All rights reserved, apart from any copying under the UK Copyright Act 1956, part 1, section 7. Multiple copies of the contents of the publication without permission is always illegal.
l Looks mottled, bluish or pale. l Is very lethargic or difficult to wake. l Feels abnormally cold to touch. l Is breathing very fast. l Has a rash that does not fade when you press it.
l Has a fit or convulsion.
Campaign supporter and UK Sepsis Trust ambassador Melissa Mead said: “Sepsis is a cruel, ruthless condition which doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone. I hope
Louise Frampton l Editor
louiseframpton@stepcomms.com
FEBRUARY 2017
this campaign reaches as many people as possible, so all parents out there know about sepsis and how serious it can be. The more parents know, the quicker they can act if they suspect their child may be suffering from sepsis – it could be life-saving. I will never hear my sweet child say ‘mummy I love you’. I will never know the man that William would have grown to be. So please, it is too late for me to ‘think sepsis’, but it’s not too late for you.” The campaign, delivered by Public Health England and the UK Sepsis Trust, follows a number of measures already taken by the NHS to improve early recognition and timely treatment of sepsis. This includes a national scheme to make sure at-risk patients are screened for sepsis as quickly as possible and
Sepsis is a devastating condition that touches the lives of many – the UK Sepsis Trust estimates that there are more than 120,000 cases of sepsis and around 37,000 deaths each year in England.
receive timely treatment on admission to hospital. The Department of Health is also working with Health Education England to make sure all health professionals have the knowledge and skills to identify and treat sepsis. Professor Paul Cosford, director of health protection and medical director at Public Health England, has also written, with Sir Bruce Keogh, to all NHS medical directors to highlight this campaign and the importance of making all staff aware of the signs of sepsis. It is heartening to see that awareness is being raised of sepsis and the Government is making this health issue a priority. For further information on sepsis, visit:
www.nhs.uk/sepsis or
www.sepsistrust.org.
Follow us on twitter: @csjmagazine
WWW.CLINICALSERVICESJOURNAL.COM I 5
CSJ
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
