A new pathway to identify and treat one of the UKs biggest killers has been launched at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
The new Sepsis pathway is based on the work of the UK Sepsis Trust and NICE Guidance NG51, meaning the Health Board will be the first in Wales to be compliant with NICE guidance.
New sepsis definitions mean that it is essential that sepsis screening processes are adapted to change the way Sepsis is recognised and treated. The new screening tool will enable healthcare staff to screen patients for Sepsis if they present with symptoms and signs of infection or are otherwise unwell with abnormal observations.
Each year the UK sees an average of 150,000 cases of Sepsis which results in more than 44,000 deaths – more than the total number of deaths from bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined.
The new tool provides staff with the guidance to monitor a patient’s condition and identify quickly if they need to progress to the Sepsis 6. This then prompts staff to undertake the Sepsis 6 assessment to begin treatment in the early stages.
Sepsis is caused by the way the body responds to germs, such as bacteria, getting into your body. It can occur following chest or water infections, problems in the abdomen like burst ulcers, or simple skin injuries like cuts and bites.
Paul Morgan, Sepsis Lead for Cardiff and Vale UHB said “Sepsis needs to be recognised and treated quickly to give the patient the best chance of survival.
“Sepsis is a life threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs. Sepsis can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and death if it is not treated promptly.
“We have taken a bit of time to consider what is in the new pathway, which we hope will now be adopted on all acute wards over the next few months. This will enable our staff to have the necessary tools and knowledge to identify Sepsis in a timely manner, meaning better outcomes for the patient. “
The pathway was launched at drop-in sessions across the Health Board acute hospital sites where over 250 staff attended to learn more and develop their knowledge and understanding of this common illness.
