According to the UK Sepsis Trust, there are around 150,000 cases of sepsis in the UK each year and 44,000 deaths. Earlier identification and treatment across the UK would save 14,000 lives and result in 400,000 fewer days in hospital per year, saving the economy an average of £2.8 billion per year.

What is sepsis?

Sepsis, which is also known as blood poisoning, is a rare but serious complication of an infection which can arise when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own organs and tissues.  

What are the signs of sepsis?

Early symptoms of sepsis include fast breathing or a fast heartbeat, high or low temperature, chills and shivering.

In some cases the more severe symptoms can develop into what is referred to as “septic shock”.

How can sepsis be diagnosed?

Sepsis is diagnosed based on a patient’s temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and the ordering of blood tests in patients who are suspected to have a new infection. Severe sepsis is diagnosed when the septic patient has organ dysfunction.

It is important that the medical professional reviewing a patient identifies any particular factors that put a patient at an increased risk of sepsis such as the very young (under age of 1), the elderly (over age of 75), those who are frail and those who have any breaches of the skin such as cuts, burns, blisters or skin infections.

However, when sepsis occurs in circumstances where a patient is expected to be experiencing pain, a raised temperature or changes in blood results such as post-operatively, then it can be more difficult to distinguish the signs of sepsis from any other anticipated symptom.

Whilst sepsis is common, it is often the cause of many medical negligence claims. This may be because although the initial symptoms can be mild, they can often be overlooked and confused with other conditions such as flu. This can sometimes mean that patients are not assessed promptly and treatment for sepsis can be delayed when the infection is still in the early stages.

Another source of negligence claims is when sepsis is identified but it is not treated effectively and quickly enough.

A delay in diagnosis and treatment of sepsis can lead to worsening symptoms and a risk of septic shock, organ failure or even death.

Therefore early diagnosis and treatment of sepsis is vital to prevent deterioration and permanent injury, (such as brain injury,) aiding prompt recovery and patient survival.

Here at Jackson Lees, we represent a number of clients who have been affected by the misdiagnosis or delayed treatment of sepsis. Compensation payments can range from several hundred pounds for a period of prolonged pain and suffering to several thousands of pounds for more serious injuries involving permanent physical and/or neurological disabilities.

Lisa will be our adviser at the drop-in clinic on Thursday evening 21st June and Saturday day 23rd June.

If you have been affected by any of the problems discussed in this article, please click here for a call back or message us your enquiry.