A new sepsis awareness campaign has been launched

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has launched a nationwide campaign to help parents spot the symptoms of sepsis to protect young children and save lives.

The UK Sepsis Trust estimates that there are more than 120,000 cases of sepsis and around 37,000 deaths each year in England.

The campaign, delivered by Public Health England and the UK Sepsis Trust, includes a film featuring mother and campaigner Melissa Mead, who lost her baby son William to sepsis in December 2014.

Leaflets and posters are being sent to GP surgeries and hospitals across the country, urging 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; or has a fit or convulsion.

Hunt said: “Sepsis is a devastating condition that we need to far get better at spotting across the NHS. By raising awareness and improving clinical practice we will save lives in the fight against this horrible illness. I’d like to thank those who have worked with us to campaign for better awareness of sepsis, including Melissa Mead and other families who have tragically lost children to sepsis.”

Dr Ron Daniels, chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, added: “With sepsis claiming over 37,000 lives annually in England, this awareness campaign is a crucial step forward. Clinicians and members of the public can save thousands of lives every year if they just ask: ‘could it be sepsis?’

“The UK Sepsis Trust welcomes this initiative, but system-wide improvements to sepsis care must follow. We’re delighted to have developed campaign materials that will empower parents to identify sepsis symptoms in their children and seek medical attention immediately.”

Melissa Mead, campaign supporter and UK Sepsis Trust ambassador, said: "Sepsis is a cruel, ruthless condition which doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone. I hope this campaign reaches as many people as possible, so all parents out there know about sepsis and how serious it can be. The more parents know, the quicker they can act if they suspect their child may be suffering from sepsis – it could be life-saving.

"I will never hear my sweet child say ‘mummy I love you’. I will never know the man that William would have grown to be. So please, it is too late for me to ‘think sepsis’, but it’s not too late for you."