Health launch sepsis awareness campaign

Last month both the World Health Assembly and the World Health Organisation made sepsis, another term for blood poisoning, or septicaemia, a global health priority.

Although the infection can be life-threatening, if caught early enough it can be treated.

On Friday Dr Ron Daniels, the chief executive of the UK Sepsis Trust, visited the Island to conduct workshops for more than 300 healthcare professionals, including doctors, emergency care providers and prison staff.

The Health Department is due to distribute a leaflet about the condition – which kills about 44,000 in the UK every year – in Island primary schools, pre-schools and nurseries within the next two months.

Sepsis is caused by an infection stemming from bacteria, virus or fungi and it is important that clinicians recognise the signs and treat them swiftly, as it can lead to shock, multi-organ failure and sometimes death.

The condition, which can affect anyone, has a number of symptoms including fever, increased heart and breathing rates, and confusion.

Dr Daniels said: ‘The workshops were so important in terms of getting everyone together and making sure we are able to save lives in Jersey. They were about getting the word out there and celebrating our new campaign to improve the health system.

‘We wanted to raise awareness and make sure people fully understand how important it is that we stop this disease.’

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