{{org_field_logo}}

{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

---

Sepsis Symptoms and Management Policy

1. Policy Statement

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to an infection causes systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction. Early recognition and rapid response are critical to preventing severe illness or death.

As a domiciliary care provider, we are committed to early detection, prompt escalation, and appropriate management of sepsis cases in compliance with the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations. This policy ensures that our staff can identify sepsis symptoms, act swiftly, and escalate concerns appropriately to protect the well-being of service users.

This policy aligns with Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment)​, ensuring that we take all practical steps to prevent and manage health emergencies effectively.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure early identification and response to sepsis in service users.
• Standardise staff training and escalation procedures to provide a consistent approach.
• Comply with CQC Fundamental Standards, particularly Regulation 12 on safe care and treatment​.
• Safeguard service users by ensuring they receive prompt medical attention when sepsis is suspected.

3. Responsibilities

Registered Manager:

• Ensures that all care staff receive training on sepsis identification and management.
• Monitors compliance with this policy through spot checks, audits, and service user feedback.
• Ensures clear escalation procedures are in place.
• Liaises with healthcare professionals to ensure effective communication and prompt intervention.

Care Staff:

• Must be able to recognise early signs of sepsis.
• Follow the Sepsis Action Plan outlined in this policy.
• Immediately escalate concerns to emergency services and the registered manager.
• Keep accurate records of symptoms and actions taken.

Service Users & Families:

• Encouraged to be aware of sepsis symptoms.
• Support care staff in providing prompt medical intervention if necessary.

4. What is Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. It can develop from infections such as:

• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Skin infections (e.g., cellulitis)
• Abdominal infections
• Wound infections

Service users in domiciliary care may be at higher risk due to:

• Weakened immune systems
• Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, COPD, kidney disease)
• Recent surgeries or invasive procedures
• Use of catheters or feeding tubes
• Being elderly or frail

5. Recognising Sepsis Symptoms

Early Warning Signs (SEPSIS Screening)

Care staff should look out for the following symptoms, using the SEPSIS acronym for quick recognition:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine (in a day)
• Severe breathlessness
• It feels like “I might die”
• Skin that’s mottled, discoloured, or bluish

If a service user exhibits one or more of these symptoms, staff must act immediately.

Sepsis in Older Adults

In elderly service users, symptoms may present differently:

• Sudden confusion or agitation
• Extreme fatigue or unresponsiveness
• A drop in body temperature (instead of fever)
• Worsening of existing conditions (e.g., increased breathlessness in COPD patients)

Sepsis in People with Learning Disabilities or Non-Verbal Service Users

Care staff must be extra vigilant in non-verbal service users:

• Sudden withdrawal or refusal to eat
• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Fever or low body temperature
• Unusual skin colour (pale, blotchy, or bluish)

6. Sepsis Action Plan

If a care worker suspects sepsis, they must not delay action.

1. Recognise symptoms – Assess the service user using the SEPSIS screening tool.
2. Call 999 immediately – Explain that the service user has suspected sepsis.
3. Provide clear information to emergency responders, including:
   • The service user’s medical history.
   • Recent infections, wounds, or fevers.
   • Changes in mental state, breathing, or urine output.
4. Stay with the service user – Monitor their condition while awaiting emergency services.
5. Notify the Registered Manager – Log the incident as per Regulation 18 (Notification of Other Incidents)​.

7. Managing Sepsis Efficiently in a Domiciliary Setting

Staff Training & Awareness

• All staff receive mandatory training on sepsis recognition and escalation.
• Refresher training will be conducted annually and whenever guidelines change.
• Staff are required to demonstrate competence in identifying sepsis symptoms.

Communication with Healthcare Professionals

• Care staff must liaise with GPs, district nurses, and 999 services promptly.
• Ensure that service users have personalised care plans that highlight their risk factors for sepsis.

Monitoring High-Risk Service Users

• Service users with recent infections, urinary catheters, or chronic conditions should be closely monitored.
• Daily well-being checks should include temperature, breathing rate, and level of alertness.

Emergency Planning

• Sepsis protocols are included in our Emergency Response Plan.
• Service users at high risk are identified in their care plans, with clear escalation pathways.

8. Reporting & Documentation

All suspected cases of sepsis must be reported and recorded accurately, including:

• Date and time of symptoms onset
• Actions taken (e.g., 999 call)
• Details of the emergency response
• Outcome (e.g., hospital admission, GP follow-up)

Under Regulation 18 (Notification of Other Incidents), any serious deterioration or death related to sepsis must be reported to CQC​.

9. Compliance with CQC Regulations

This policy aligns with the following CQC Fundamental Standards:

• Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment)​: Ensuring staff are trained in sepsis management and respond promptly.
• Regulation 17 (Good Governance)​: Maintaining accurate records and policies for early detection.
• Regulation 18 (Notification of Other Incidents)​: Reporting serious health events, including suspected sepsis cases.

By following this policy, we ensure that our domiciliary care service provides safe, effective, and responsive care in line with CQC expectations.

10. Review & Policy Updates

• This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if guidance from NHS England, NICE, or Public Health England changes.
• Any updates will be communicated to all staff through training sessions and written updates.

---

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.