A new screening form to identify Sepsis in children has been launched at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
This will help identify sepsis in children at the earliest possible opportunity.
The Sepsis awareness day at MRHP yesterday was organised by the hospital’s Nurse Practice Development Team.
Fiona Moore, Nurse Practice Development Co-ordinator said: “One in five people who develop sepsis will die, with early recognition and treatment this risk can be reduced.
“September is Sepsis Awareness Month and we are urging everyone to be aware of this life-threatening condition and to be familiar with the signs and symptoms and be ready to ask … ‘Could this be Sepsis?’.”
Recent HSE figures reported in excess of 12,000 people were treated for sepsis in hospitals last year with approximately 1 in 5 people dying as a result of developing sepsis.
For context, Sepsis kills more people each year than heart attacks, stroke or almost any cancer.
Sepsis is a global healthcare problem with an annual death toll in excess of 11 million people.
The most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Slurred speech, mild agitation, confusion, ‘Not feeling right’
- Extreme aches and pains in your joints, temperature of 38֠ and higher or lower then 36
- Have not passed urine in last 12 hours? No urge to pass urine?
- Short of Breath. Can you finish a sentence without pausing? Are your lips tinged with blue? Is your heart racing very fast? Are you persistently dizzy when you sit or stand up?
- I feel like I’m going to die
- Skin appears mottled, blueish in colour or new red rash that is still visible when pressed on by your finger or glass (glass test).
There are also several signs and symptoms to look out for in children which include:
- Abnormally cold to the touch
- Looks mottled, bluish or pale
- Breathing very fast
- Is unusually sleepy and difficult to wake
- Has a rash that does not fade when you press it
- Having fits or convulsions
Also, in children under 5, watch in particular if:
- Not feeding
- Vomiting repeatedly
- Has not had a wet nappy in last 12 hours
Sandra McCarthy, Director of Nursing at MRHP says, “Sepsis illness usually begins as a simple infection.
“This can start anywhere in or on the body. Early recognition and then seeking prompt treatment is key to survival.
“Although Sepsis can affect anyone, it is more common in the very young, the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions or those with a weakened immune system.”
Consultant Endocrinologist & Physician Dr Ma Pyeh Kyithar, Clinical lead on Sepsis at MRHP says, “Recognising Sepsis is very important as Sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition, associated with significant morbidity and mortality if not recognised and not treated promptly.
“The World Sepsis Day event at MRH Portlaoise aims to promote the importance of Sepsis awareness among our patients, staff and the public.”
