Rapid improvement: Saving lives with the Sepsis Six

March 28, 2022

Today we launch our Sepsis Rapid Improvement Week – a week in which we are providing focussed support and interventions to improve out screening and treatment pathways for Sepsis patients. 

Throughout this week we will have senior colleagues on hand across both acute sites working with colleagues in the emergency areas to review and understand the processes in place for screening and treating patients with sepsis with a view to identify blocks, review alternatives and apply improvements to our working practices to ensure patients receive safe and effective care.  

Every year, patients at our Trust unfortunately lose their lives due to sepsis and it is clear that with systematic screening, early detection and timely treatment we could save many lives. 

In many cases sepsis is avoidable and treatable but this is predicated on early detection and timely treatment to give the patient the best chance of survival. 

Did you know:  

• Sepsis accounts for at least 11 million deaths worldwide annually 
• Sepsis related mortality in England stands at 28.9% 
• Every hour in the UK 5 people die as a result of Sepsis 
• At SWB alone, every week approximately 175 patients are diagnosed with Sepsis 

Colleagues who are unsure of the sepsis screening processes are encouraged to speak to their ward matrons or contact the deteriorating patients and resus team on ext. 5908.