A nationwide campaign, launched by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, aims to help parents spot the symptoms of sepsis to protect young children and save lives.Sepsis is a rare but serious complication of an infection.Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death
The campaign is principally aimed at parents and carers of young children aged 0 – 4. It includes a film featuring mother and campaigner Melissa Mead (pictured), who lost her baby son William to Sepsis in December 2014.
The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that there are more than 120,000 cases of Sepsis and around 37,000 deaths each year in England.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “Sepsis is a devastating condition that we need to get far better at spotting across the NHS. By raising awareness and improving clinical practice we will save lives in the fight against this horrible illness.”
Leaflets and posters are being sent to GP surgeries and hospitals across the country. They urge parents to call 999 or take their child to A&E if they display any of the following signs:
- looks mottled, bluish or pale
- is very lethargic or difficult to wake
- feels abnormally cold to touch
- is breathing very fast
- has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- has a fit or convulsion
For more on this story read the full article, and for more information on Sepsis, visit www.nhs.uk/sepsis or www.sepsistrust.org
