By Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) have secured over £50,000 in charitable funding to enhance sepsis care and prevention. This significant investment aims to develop nursing roles and training, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s response to infection, affects 245,000 people annually in the UK, with 48,000 fatalities. The funding will support the implementation of the ‘Sepsis Six Care Bundle,’ a set of tasks proven to reduce the risk of death by 46.6% when administered promptly.
Enhancing Nursing Roles and Training
The funding will be used to significantly develop nursing roles and training at DBTH. Two sepsis nurse specialists have been appointed: Beth Vincent for paediatrics and Heather Holt for adults. These specialists will focus on early identification and treatment of sepsis, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve care protocols. Beth Vincent, who has been in her role for 11 months, emphasized the importance of collaboration in enhancing sepsis care. Heather Holt, a sister on the haematology ward, has recently taken on the role of sepsis nurse specialist for adults.
The introduction of these roles has already had a profound impact on sepsis care at DBTH. Initiatives such as ‘Sepsis Response Boxes,’ ‘Paediatric Sepsis Roadshows,’ and the ‘Sepsis Padlet’ have been implemented to raise awareness and improve early detection. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all staff are knowledgeable about sepsis and equipped to respond effectively.
The Sepsis Six Care Bundle
The ‘Sepsis Six Care Bundle’ is a critical component of the improvement plan at DBTH. Developed by the UK Sepsis Trust, this set of six tasks includes monitoring oxygen levels, taking blood cultures, administering antibiotics, providing fluids, measuring lactate levels, and monitoring urine output. These steps are designed to be implemented within one hour of identifying a patient at high risk of sepsis, significantly reducing the risk of death.
Marie Hardacre, Associate Chief Nurse for Patient Safety and Quality, highlighted the importance of the Sepsis Six Care Bundle in improving patient outcomes. She noted that increasing knowledge and awareness of sepsis among staff is essential for the successful implementation of these measures. The funding will also support online sepsis training for staff, making it the first dedicated sepsis training program at the trust.
Impact on Patient Care
The funding and subsequent initiatives are expected to have a significant impact on patient care at DBTH. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of nursing staff, the trust aims to improve the early identification and treatment of sepsis, ultimately reducing mortality rates. The appointment of sepsis nurse specialists and the implementation of the Sepsis Six Care Bundle are key components of this strategy.
Marie Hardacre emphasized that the more people who understand the warning signs of sepsis, the more lives can be saved. The improvement plan focuses on increasing awareness and ensuring that the sepsis screening tool is used consistently. This comprehensive approach aims to create a culture of vigilance and prompt response, improving outcomes for patients with sepsis.
In conclusion, the £50,000 funding secured by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals represents a significant step forward in the fight against sepsis. By developing nursing roles and training, implementing the Sepsis Six Care Bundle, and raising awareness, the trust is committed to improving patient care and reducing sepsis-related mortality.