Royal Cornwall recognised for treatment of sepsis

NHS England has recognised the Royal Cornwall Hospitals as one of the NHS trusts seeing greatest improvement in timely identification and treatment of sepsis.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust has seen an increase in Emergency Department assessment for sepsis from 52 per cent to 89 per cent since April 2015. The trust has also seen treatment commencing within the hour increasing from 49 per cent to 76 per cent in the same period.

Additionally, in-patient assessment for sepsis increased from 62 per cent to 70 per cent since April 2016 and treatment commencing within the hour has increased from 58 per cent to 80 per cent for these patients.

RCHT has also been working with nursing homes and carers to help staff to more easily spot the early signs of sepsis linked to illness such as urinary tract infections. Consequently, the trust has also been invited to share its work so that other NHS trusts and organisations can learn from the approach that has been taken at RCHT.

Helen Winn, the trust’s lead nurse for sepsis, said: “There’s no doubt we are doing much better. Our improved performance reflects the growing awareness not only among staff but among the public, too, where are now seeing them increasingly consider ‘could it be sepsis’. I am really proud of what’s been achieved. In exceptionally busy times, it shows our clinical teams are doing things right, being aware and making it happen.”