The guidance from NICE warns that severe symptom of sepsis – a blood condition that is triggered by an infection or injury, can develop quickly, but with prompt treatment more people are likely to survive and avoid further complications like heart failure or limb amputation. Treatment includes antibiotics and IV fluids.
Its publication follows the launch of a national campaign last year by the health secretary Jeremy Hunt, the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST) and Public Health England (PHE) to raise awareness of the condition in children.
According to the UKST, sepsis causes 44,000 deaths in England each year.
The campaign has included the distribution of millions of leaflets across the country urging parents of children from birth to age four to take them to A&E or call 999 if they display symptoms.
The UKST’s ambassador Melissa Mead, who lost her baby son William to sepsis two years ago, has also featured in a short film.
Within the NICE guidance, NHS staff are told to check people for specific signs that will show if their symptoms are life-threatening, including taking their temperature or heart rate, or checking for rashes and skin discolouration.
It states that anyone found to be ‘high-risk’ should be seen by senior hospital staff immediately. They would then be reviewed by an available doctor or nurse, who is authorised to prescribe antibiotics.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said, ‘Every death from sepsis is a tragedy, yet too often the warning signs are missed - we need to get far better at spotting sepsis across the NHS and this advice shows how vital it is for clinicians to treat life-threatening symptoms as soon as possible.
‘Our relentless drive to raise awareness of this deadly condition, as well as the tireless efforts of campaigners and families who have lost loved ones, has seen a million leaflets and posters already distributed to GP clinics, hospitals and other public places - helping raise awareness to fight against this devastating condition.’
- NICE is asking for views on the draft quality standard, which is out for public consultation until Friday 7 April.
