Sepsis campaign launched in the UK
January 16, 2017
A campaign is underway to warn people about one of the UK’s biggest killers. Additionally, it’s the source of thousands of medical negligence claims: sepsis.
Sepsis (also known as septicaemia) is when the body’s immune system is overwhelmed by an infection, causing complications including body-wide inflammation and blood clots.
Around 44,000 UK deaths each year are due to sepsis, which means it outranks heart attacks and some cancers. Even if you survive, the side-effects can leave you needing intensive long-term support.
The importance of “Starfish” for the Sepsis Campaign
A film called “Starfish” shows the horrific case of Midlands man Tom Ray. Getting a small cut on his gum at his dentist led to sepsis. That, in turn, results in him losing all his limbs and a large part of his face.
Sepsis – which in some cases can be preventable – usually originates from a common illness or a simple cut or insect bite. It can strike quickly, particularly in children and babies under the age of 4 years and can easily be mistaken for flu, chest infections or diarrhoea. This means the potential for misdiagnosis compensation claims is substantial.
Public Health England and the UK Sepsis Trust are working together to improve measures in the NHS to reduce the risks by improving clinical practice. Professionals can also spot symptoms sooner thanks to new measures.
Raising awareness with sepsis campaign
As sepsis is most prevalent in the vulnerable, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the early symptoms. It targets parents, care home staff and anyone else who looks after the elderly and/or young children.
Then there’s cancer and HIV/AIDs patients, and anyone who has undergone an organ transplant. They’re also likely to be “at-risk,” requiring careful monitoring.
GP surgeries and hospitals throughout the UK are to distribute millions of leaflets. They highlight what to look out for, including:
- a rash;
- slurred speech;
- mottled or bluish skin;
- fits or convulsions;
- lethargy and difficulty in walking, and;
- coldness to touch and rapid breathing.
Anyone who is considering making a claim for compensation arising from a sepsis case – either to cover rehabilitation or the financial impact of bereavement – should contact us today.