Sepsis or blood poisoning is a serious complication of an infection, which can be fatal if not treated quickly.
The BBC has recently reported the story of a gentleman who believes that more training is needed. In his case, there was delay in diagnosing sepsis of five hours.
The result was life changing with the amputation of both arms and legs.
The Royal College of Nursing (“RCN”) supports this call for better training for all health professionals.
The RCN also wants to see a national checklist introduced to help spot the signs of sepsis in children. Hospitals already have one for adults, but the RCN professional lead for children Fiona Smith says there have been delays of more than a decade for one for children.
In the meantime it has been left to hospitals to develop their own approaches.
Sepis – Signs
According to the BBC website, every year more than 50,000 people die after contracting sepsis. Many thousands more are left with disabilities and life-changing consequences.
According to the NHS website, symptoms for sepsis include:
- slurred speech
- extreme shivering or muscle pain
- passing no urine in a day
- severe breathlessness
- mottled or discolouration of skin
Symptoms in young children include:
- mottled, bluish or pale skin
- very lethargic or difficult to wake
- abnormally cold to touch
- breathing very fast
- a rash that does not fade when you press it
- a seizure or convulsion
With early diagnosis and the correct treatment (normally in the form of antibiotics) most people make a full recovery.
For more information please see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48353222
Have you suffered an injury as a result of treatment at hospital or from your GP?
Have you suffered an injury as a result of a delay by your hospital or GP?
Gregory Abrams Davidson specialise in obtaining compensation for clients who have sustained injury as a result of Clinical Negligence. We have many years of experience dealing with claims against hospitals (both NHS and Private), dentists and general practitioners. Examples include claims arising as a result of negligently performed operations, delays in diagnosis, development of pressure sores, misdiagnosis of cancer and injuries sustained at birth.
We have offices in Liverpool City Centre, Allerton and London.If you would like to enquire about a potential Clinical Negligence claim, contact a member of our Team on 0151 733 3353 or e-mail us at info@gadlegal.co.uk
If you or a loved one would like to discuss a medical negligence compensation claim against a hospital, please do not hesitate to contact our specialist team on 0151 733 3353 or 020 8209 0166. Alternatively, you can email us at info@gadlegal.co.uk
