The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s report ‘Time to Act’ (2013) highlighted ten cases where patients had died from sepsis. Failings in the care of these patients mainly occurred in the first few hours following the onset of sepsis, when the rapid recognition and initiation of treatment are critical to a patient’s chances of survival.
The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) recognised that they are in a key position, as first responders, to undertake early assessment of patients, determine diagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment. NWAS wanted to prioritise the treatment of sepsis and put in place processes to provide appropriate and timely care.
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