Imagine | Autumn 2023
A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Imagine | Autumn 2023 A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Imagine | Autumn 2023
A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Richard, our client
Are you Sepsis Savvy?
Five people die with sepsis every hour in the UK. Asking ‘Could it be sepsis’ could be life-saving. But do you know the signs and symptoms to look out for?
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.
The condition is more common in very young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions. It can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis always starts with an infection and any infection can trigger it, including chest infections and Urinary Tract infections (UTIs). The reasons why some people develop sepsis and others don’t is unknown.
It can be hard to spot. There’s no single sign or test to diagnose sepsis, and symptoms can be different in adults and children.
Making more people aware of the condition is a big step towards ending preventable deaths.
Our charity partner The UK Sepsis Trust has created a graphic to help.
of people who develop sepsis are estimated to suffer physical, cognitive, and/or psychological after effects.
children each year develop sepsis in the UK
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It happens when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your body’s own tissues and organs.
The condition is more common in very young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions. It can sometimes be triggered in those who are otherwise fit and healthy.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis always starts with an infection and any infection can trigger it, including chest infections and Urinary Tract infections (UTIs). The reasons why some people develop sepsis and others don’t is unknown.
It can be hard to spot. There’s no single sign or test to diagnose sepsis, and symptoms can be different in adults and children.
Making more people aware of the condition is a big step towards ending preventable deaths.
Our charity partner The UK Sepsis Trust has created a graphic to help.
of people who develop sepsis are estimated to suffer physical, cognitive, and/or psychological after effects.
children each year develop sepsis in the UK
Richard’s story
A delay in being diagnosed with sepsis left Richard Saberton paralysed. He presented at hospital with neck and shoulder pain, confusion and difficulty speaking but it was three hours before he was given antibiotics.
Richard’s faced many difficult challenges. Following his diagnosis, he developed a spinal abscess and needed surgery. He spent nearly a year in hospital after he was first admitted in November 2016 and remains paralysed from the waist down.
We’ve helped Richard to secure funding for the specialist support and therapies he now needs. As part of his settlement, he and his wife were able to move into a specially adapted home.
Walls were knocked down, doorways and passageways widened, the kitchen was replaced, and bedrooms combined to make them wheelchair accessible.
Extensive groundworks and landscaping, together with the installation of ramps and bifold doors mean Richard has access to 90 per cent of the property. The outdoor area offers a large accessible greenhouse, a fishpond, and plenty of space for him to grow vegetables and flowers in containers on the patio.
The dad-of-three has welcomed five grandchildren since his time in hospital. He enjoys spending time with his family in the space that’s been created for him.
Richard and his family enjoying the garden
He says, “I’m now looking to the future, but I wanted to share my story to make people aware of sepsis and the importance of being treated early. I wouldn’t want anyone suffering like my family and I have.”
Richard and his family enjoying the garden
He says, “I’m now looking to the future, but I wanted to share my story to make people aware of sepsis and the importance of being treated early. I wouldn’t want anyone suffering like my family and I have.”
What can you do?
Awareness can save lives and is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from sepsis. Watch and share this short video from The UK Sepsis Trust to become Sepsis Savvy.
Support is available with The UK Sepsis Trust
We work in partnership with the charity to support their mission to save lives from sepsis. They also want to improve outcomes for survivors, by campaigning for political change, educating healthcare professionals, raising public awareness and providing support for those affected.
If you’re having problems with your recovery, supporting a loved one after they leave hospital, have suffered a bereavement, or simply want to learn more about sepsis, the charity offers a freephone helpline. It’s staffed by trained nurses with knowledge and experience of sepsis, sepsis recovery, and bereavement.
Call 0808 800 0029 or request email support via their website.
What does the helpline do?
- Provide clear information about sepsis and critical illness.
- Listen empathetically and help you understand what you may have experienced.
- Help you understand sepsis and critical illness recovery and suggest options that may help with some of the problems you may be experiencing.
- Signpost to other appropriate services that can offer advice and support.
- If you have lost someone from sepsis they can help you understand what may have happened and provide the opportunity to ask questions.
- Provide information on how to raise concerns about care or treatment.
- Refer for specialist legal advice if needed.
Legal support
If you or a loved one has suffered as a results of sepsis misdiagnosis, and you need support and guidance, please reach out to our specialist team.