Sepsis Death in Hospital
New concerns have been raised about the continuing levels of death from sepsis in the UK's hospitals.
New research into sepsis deaths
According to a new report by the BBC, Professor Sir Brian Jarman of Imperial College, London, has emphasised the need for greater awareness and faster diagnosis of sepsis in hospitals.
His concern has been stimulated by new research which has suggested that the number of sepsis deaths occurring in hospitals in the UK has increased.
In an interview with the BBC, he commented that one of the key factors for this situation could be under-staffing.
He also implied that there is inconsistency in the way in which hospitals across the country respond to sepsis, creating a disparity in death rates from this shocking condition.
The need for urgent diagnosis
The BBC has also reported the comments of Dr Ron Daniels of the UK Sepsis Trust that, "for every hour we delay in giving antibiotics, the patient's risk of dying increases by a few percent, so it's essential that we spot it early and deliver the basics of care quickly."
The current guidelines on responding to signs of sepsis is for the administration of intravenous antibiotics to be commenced within one hour of diagnosis or suspicion of sepsis.
Blood cultures are also needed urgently in order to try to identify the underlying infection which has prompted the septic immune response. This can enable the infection to be targeted more effectively.
Without a prompt diagnosis and emergency treatment, the patient can deteriorate rapidly. Sepsis can quickly threaten the functioning of the body's major organs, ultimately leading to the patient's death.
Suspecting sepsis
For medical practitioners, having a high suspicion of sepsis may influence the difference between the death or survival of a patient.
Early symptoms of sepsis can include a high temperature, a fast heartbeat and rapid breathing.
Where the patient is known to be suffering from an infection or where there are signs of organ dysfunction, sepsis should be suspected.
Where the patient falls into one of the at-risk categories for sepsis, that diagnosis should be considered. At-risk groups include the following:
- patients who are diabetic
- the elderly or very young
- patients with a weakened immune system
- pregnant women
Medical negligence
Where a patient's symptoms of sepsis are misdiagnosed, thereby allowing the patient to deteriorate, it may be considered that the medical professionals have provided a substandard level of care.
Should the patient suffer significantly due to this failure, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
The long-term effects of sepsis can be life-changing for the patient, if they survive, or for their family if they succumb to the illness.
A successful compensation claim can help to alleviate some of the problems a misdiagnosis can cause.
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