World Sepsis Day: Raising awareness of a silent killer

Each year, World Sepsis Day on 13th September serves as a vital reminder of the devastating impact of sepsis and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. At Freeths, our medical negligence team sees first-hand the life-altering consequences that can arise when sepsis is missed or mismanaged.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection becomes dysregulated, causing widespread inflammation and damage to its own tissues and organs. It can arise from infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or even minor wounds. If not treated promptly, sepsis can lead to organ failure, septic shock, and death.

Diagnosis and treatment

Early recognition is critical. Symptoms of sepsis may include:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine in a day
• Severe breathlessness
• Mottled or discoloured skin
• Feeling like you’re going to die

The “Sepsis Six” is a set of interventions developed by the UK Sepsis Trust to be delivered within one hour of suspected sepsis. These include administering oxygen, taking blood cultures, giving IV antibiotics, measuring lactate levels, starting IV fluids, and monitoring urine output. Prompt delivery of these steps can be lifesaving.

Medical negligence and common failures

Despite increased awareness, sepsis remains a leading cause of preventable death in the UK. 

Common failings that can lead to medical negligence claims include:

• Delayed diagnosis due to misinterpreting symptoms or failing to escalate concerns
• Failure to administer appropriate antibiotics or delay in starting treatment
• Inadequate monitoring of deteriorating patients
• Discharging patients prematurely without proper assessment or follow-up

These errors can result in catastrophic outcomes, including amputations, long-term disability, or death.

Consequences of delayed treatment

The consequences of failing to treat sepsis promptly are severe. Survivors may face:

• Permanent organ damage
• Limb amputations due to tissue necrosis
• Cognitive impairments
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of independence and quality of life

In many cases, these outcomes could have been avoided with timely and appropriate care.

Recent news: Martha’s Rule and its impact

In September 2025, the NHS announced the full rollout of Martha’s Rule across all 210 acute hospitals in England. Named after 13-year-old Martha Mills, who tragically died from sepsis in 2021 after her parents’ concerns were not acted upon, the initiative empowers patients, families, and staff to escalate concerns about deteriorating care. Between September 2024 and June 2025, over 4,900 calls were made to Martha’s Rule helplines, resulting in 241 potentially life-saving interventions. Read more here.

The rule provides a clear pathway for urgent clinical reviews by a different team, helping to prevent delays in treatment and improve patient safety. It is already reshaping hospital culture by validating the voices of families and encouraging timely action — a crucial step in preventing avoidable harm from conditions like sepsis.