It was encouraging to see sepsis being featured recently on a number of TV programmes, including The Archers, Call the Midwife and Holby City. Each of these can be seen as part of a wider move to raise public awareness of the dangers of sepsis.

Recently, governments throughout the UK have taken measures to educate the public about the importance of a prompt diagnosis of the condition. For example, the Scottish Government has launched an awareness campaign in partnership with FEAT, Scotland’s sepsis charity, which was expected to reach more than 1m people through publicity on the radio, social media and print media.

In England, a cross-system sepsis programme was launched in order to improve the prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of sepsis.  The UK sepsis charity, the UK Sepsis Trust, continues to do important work, with campaigns and support groups throughout the Country.

Continued measures are anticipated in light of the World Health Organisation sepsis Resolution which was passed in May 2017.  Each year, a sepsis awareness day takes place in September.

This month we have launched a campaign to promote awareness further. In conjunction with The Sepsis Trust we have created an ‘early warning signs’ animated video to ensure parents can recognise them in children. As with anything, the sooner the signs of sepsis are recognised, the better the chances of treating it. Sepsis, if untreated as we have seen in shows like Call the Midwife can result in tragic, and unnecessary loss of life. The more we can do to promote awareness and early detection, the easier the illness is to treat.

It is essential that measures continue to be taken to raise awareness amongst the public of the early signs of sepsis, and that the drive to improve the quality of care given to those who suffer sepsis continues.

To discuss this blog or other related matters please do not hesitate to contact me or the team.