Kashmir and Sharon were accompanied by Daman Mulhi and Harkirth Kaur Smith from the Sepsis Trust with whom the clinical negligence team works very closely.
Sepsis (also called septicaemia) is a life-threatening condition which can be caused by a range of illnesses including peritonitis, urinary tract infections, meningitis, encephalitis and post-surgical infection or even, as in one tragic case, a minor scrape to the hand while gardening. If quickly identified sepsis is easily treatable. The longer it is left undiagnosed or untreated, the greater the risk of organ damage or death from septic shock.
Although early identification and treatment is essential in order to save lives many people (including healthcare professionals) do not understand what sepsis is or how to identify it. A YouGov poll, commissioned by the UK Sepsis Trust in 2016, found 45% of Britons do not know what sepsis is.
Educating healthcare professionals, raising public awareness and providing support for those affected by this devastating condition remains important.
Kashmir commented:
‘At Shoosmiths we have seen the consequences of a failure to react to the signs and symptoms of sepsis in time. On one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar and a momentous date politically, it remains important to celebrate and protect life through sustained educational programmes that target both the health profession and the general public. With greater awareness of sepsis symptoms and how they should be treated our hope is that we will see a drop in cases in the years to come.’
Image (L-R): Daman Mulhi, Harkirth Kaur Smith (Sepsis Trust), Sharon Banga and Kashmir Uppal (Shoosmiths).
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
