What is sepsis?

Sepsis claims 140 lives every single day.

Sepsis is the overreaction to an infection in which the body attacks its own tissue and organs. Sepsis does not discriminate: it claims more lives in the UK every year than bowel, breast and prostate cancer combined, and can arise from something as simple as a small cut or insect bite.

Every year in the UK:

•  At least 250,000 people develop sepsis

•  52,000 of these will die and

•  60,000 suffer permanent, life-changing after-effects.

Despite these appalling statistics, awareness of sepsis amongst the public and healthcare professionals is still far too low, and we know that earlier diagnosis and treatment could prevent at least 14,000 unnecessary deaths every year.

The Importance of Awareness

If caught early sepsis can be easily treated with antibiotics but, if not diagnosed and treated quickly, sepsis can rapidly lead to organ failure and death. The key to ending preventable deaths from sepsis is awareness.

That’s why we’re raising vital awareness of sepsis and its symptoms so that everyone, not just healthcare professionals feels able to “Just Ask: Could it be sepsis?”.

Joining Together to Fight Sepsis

In January 2019 we launched our first Lifesaving Partnership with IFCF. We joined forces to safeguard their 24,000 employees by sharing symptom cards and running a focus on sepsis through their employee channels, helping them to learn about the devastating condition and look out for themselves and their loved ones.

For more information about how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your work colleagues contact Simon Hills at simon@sepsistrust.org or on 07702 005535.

Our Mission

UKST is a national charity founded in 2012 by world sepsis expert, Dr Ron Daniels. The UK Sepsis Trust has a clear mission to save lives and improve outcomes for survivors of sepsis by, raising public awareness, educating healthcare professionals, influencing the NHS, and providing support for those affected.

To find out more about their work and for further information visit www.sepsistrust.org