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SOS SEPSIS TEST

NHS adopts early warning sepsis system to save thousands of lives a year

Sepsis is a serious complication of an infection, which can quickly lead to multiple organ failure and death

THE NHS is adopting a sepsis early warning system that could save thousands of lives a year.

The infection complication can quickly lead to organ failure and kills 37,000 annually.

 The National Early Warning Score, or News, is already used by some hospitals in England, the United States, Europe and India
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The National Early Warning Score, or News, is already used by some hospitals in England, the United States, Europe and IndiaCredit: Getty - Contributor

But the National Early Warning Score allows medics to plot the severity of a patient’s illness and level of care needed.

NHS England wants all hospitals and ambulance trusts to use the system by the end of 2019.

Ron Daniels, from the UK Sepsis Trust, said: “This is a major step forward and the national roll out of the score has the potential to save thousands of lives.”

Sir Bruce Keogh, national medical director at NHSE, said:

“I want to see every hospital in the country using the News approach by 2019 as we continually strive to make sure the NHS delivers the highest standards of care possible.”

Professor Jane Dacre, from the Royal College of Physicians, which developed the system, said:

“Patients will benefit from its implementation and staff will benefit from not having to learn a new score each time they join a new Trust.

“I hope that News will continue its global journey, saving lives across the world.”

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