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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Identifying and Managing Sepsis Policy

1. Purpose This policy outlines {{org_field_name}}’s approach to identifying, managing, and responding to sepsis in line with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and NICE guidance on sepsis recognition and early management. It ensures that sepsis is identified at the earliest possible stage and that appropriate action is taken to prevent deterioration and protect the people we support.

2. Scope This policy applies to all healthcare professionals, nursing staff, care assistants, and other employees at {{org_field_name}} involved in the care of individuals at risk of sepsis. It covers the recognition, management, escalation, and documentation of sepsis cases within our care home.

3. Understanding Sepsis

• Definition: Sepsis is a life-threatening response to an infection that causes organ dysfunction.
• Common Causes: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, particularly in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal system.
• High-Risk Groups:
  • Older adults
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems
  • People with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, COPD, kidney disease)
  • Those with indwelling medical devices (e.g., catheters, PEG tubes)
  • Post-surgical individuals or those with open wounds

4. Recognising the Early Signs of Sepsis

• Early symptoms:
  • Fever or abnormally low temperature (<36°C or >38.3°C)
  • Rapid heart rate (>90 beats per minute)
  • Fast breathing (>20 breaths per minute)
  • Confusion, disorientation, or reduced responsiveness
  • Shivering, chills, or extreme discomfort
  • Low urine output (reduced or no urination for several hours)
  • Pale, mottled, or bluish skin
  • Non-blanching rash (in severe cases)
• Sepsis Red Flags: If one or more red flag symptoms appear, immediate escalation is required.

5. Immediate Response to Suspected Sepsis

• Call 999 or 112 immediately and inform the operator that sepsis is suspected.
• Provide first aid measures while waiting for emergency services:
  • Lay the person in a comfortable position.
  • Ensure adequate fluid intake where possible.
  • Monitor vital signs and record observations every 5-10 minutes.
  • Maintain body temperature (avoid overheating or excessive cooling).
• Escalate to the Registered Manager and the GP immediately.
• Administer oxygen (if prescribed and available) to help with breathing.
• Ensure clear documentation of all observations, actions taken, and escalation processes.

6. Ongoing Monitoring and Observation

• Staff must continue to monitor vital signs including:
  • Blood pressure (hypotension is a key sepsis indicator)
  • Pulse rate and respiratory rate
  • Oxygen saturation levels
  • Level of consciousness and mental state
• Any deterioration must be escalated immediately.
• If hospitalisation is required, an accurate handover must be given to paramedics, including:
  • Recent medical history
  • Observations recorded
  • Medications administered
  • Time of symptom onset

7. Preventing Sepsis in Care Home Settings

• Strict Infection Control Procedures:
  • Hand hygiene compliance for all staff and visitors.
  • Proper wound care and dressing changes.
  • Regular cleaning and disinfection of high-contact areas.
• Vaccination and Preventative Care:
  • Ensure individuals are up to date with flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Encourage good oral hygiene to reduce respiratory infections.
• Early Infection Recognition and Management:
  • Prompt treatment of UTIs, chest infections, and skin infections.
  • Regular monitoring of catheter sites, wounds, and PEG tubes.
  • Encouraging hydration to prevent urinary tract infections.
• Regular Training for Staff:
  • Annual mandatory training on sepsis recognition.
  • Scenario-based drills to improve emergency response times.

8. Staff Responsibilities

• Care Assistants & Nursing Staff:
  • Recognise early signs of infection and sepsis.
  • Report any concerns immediately to a senior member of staff.
  • Follow escalation procedures and emergency protocols.
• Registered Manager:
  • Ensure all staff receive sepsis training and refresher sessions.
  • Oversee infection prevention strategies within the care home.
  • Ensure accurate record-keeping and incident reporting.
• HR & Training Department:
  • Facilitate regular training sessions on sepsis identification and management.
  • Ensure competency assessments are carried out annually.

9. Documentation and Reporting

• All suspected cases of sepsis must be recorded in the person’s care notes and incident log.
• CQC Notification Requirements:
  • Any hospital admission due to sepsis must be reported to CQC as per Regulation 18 – Notification of Other Incidents.
  • Any death related to sepsis must be reported as a statutory notification.
• Audit and Review:
  • All sepsis incidents will be reviewed as part of quality improvement processes.
  • Lessons learned will be discussed in staff meetings and training sessions.

10. Related Policies

• CH11-Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• CH17-Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• CH18-Risk Management and Assessment Policy
• CH27-Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy
• CH34-Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy
• CH25-Notification of Other Incidents Policy

11. Policy Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new CQC regulations or clinical guidelines are issued.
• Amendments will be made to ensure compliance with sepsis management best practices.
• Regular audits will be conducted to assess staff compliance and effectiveness of response protocols.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.