Following the recent report of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, which found “fundamental clinical deficiency” in the care of a patient, resulting in his death from sepsis, the Assembly Member for Aberconwy has highlighted the need for increased awareness of this illness amongst both healthcare staff and the general public.

Research published this week has found that in Wales last year over 7,500 people were admitted to hospitals with sepsis, with the illness linked to more than 1,500 deaths in Wales – more than breast and prostate cancer combined.

It was also found that just 12% of patients showing signs of sepsis were initially screened and treated in line with best practice.

The Ombudsman’s report found that there had been a failure by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to carry out basic sepsis management for the patient – Mr M.

Janet Finch-Saunders AM said: “It is high time that Welsh Labour Government started to take this devastating illness seriously.

“Over the past few weeks, the UK Sepsis Trust has highlighted to Assembly Members the heart-breaking stories of families who have lost loved ones through sepsis, and the impact these losses have on their everyday lives.

“The saddest part is that the majority of cases are preventable, or treatable with antibiotics if caught early enough.

“The Welsh Government and Betsi Cadwaladr need to react quickly to this research to standardise treatment and screening across Wales, and to educate patients, health care staff and the public about the early warning signs of sepsis, to ensure that all cases are treated as soon as possible.”

ENDS

Notes:

The Assembly Member for Aberconwy spoke first in First Minister’s Questions today, asking “Will the First Minister make a statement on sepsis prevention?” – link here: http://www.senedd.tv/

The Ombudsman’s report can be accessed here: http://www.ombudsman-wales.org.uk/en/Investigations/Public%20Interest%20Reports/November%202016%20-%20Betsi%20Cadwaladr%20-%20201504223.aspx

Cancer mortality figures can be accessed here: https://public.tableau.com/profile/welsh.cancer.intelligence.and.surveillance.unit#!/vizhome/Mortality_8/Homepage