Sepsis 6 team at Barnet HospitalServices and departments around the trust celebrated sepsis awareness as part of the Global Sepsis Alliance World Sepsis Day.

This internationally recognised day brings together people in health care and members of the public to highlight the issue of sepsis around the world.

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality, with an estimated 35,000 deaths in the UK alone, killing more people than breast, lung and bowel cancer combined. Sepsis awareness month is fully supported by staff at the Royal Free London, who make a concerted effort to educate and inform colleagues and patients all year round.

There are currently eight pilot areas at the Royal Free Hospital and two new pilot areas at Barnet Hospital. Patient outcome data so far has demonstrated a 10% reduction in mortality, 50% reduction in length of stay and improved pathway compliance.

As part of the awareness day, 'sepsis 6' cakes and freebies were presented to our two latest pilot wards at Barnet Hospital (labour ward and emergency department). Both new pilot areas are achieving excellent compliance with the sepsis pathway and there are now sepsis champions in place to help drive improvements. 'Sepsis improvement' is one of the key workstreams that the patient safety programme will be focusing on.

Marianne Renkin, obstetrics champion at Barnet Hospital, said:

“The midwifery, obstetric and anaesthetic teams have embraced the sepsis 6 pathway; it has made a clear distinction in recognition and timely, prompt action. The sepsis trolley has ensured that equipment and drugs are readily accessible and the antibiotic framework ensures correct medication is given immediately. The pathway has made a clear difference in improving patient outcomes.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Image: Barnet Hospital emergency department team

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About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.