Sepsis: Accident and Emergency Departments

Sepsis has no specific diagnostic test, and the signs and symptoms can vary hugely. As a result, sepsis can be challenging to diagnose early. It is therefore critical that all acutely unwell patients are treated promptly and appropriately regardless of cause.

Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of suspected sepsis is supported in National Health Service hospitals, including emergency departments, through the use of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS2). NEWS2 is a clinical screening tool that supports healthcare professionals to recognise acutely unwell adults at risk of deterioration, including those with sepsis. NEWS2 supports clinicians to determine the need for immediate care and is used in 99% of acute NHS trusts and 100% of ambulance trusts in England. Several trusts have also implemented the National Paediatric Early Warning Score to support the recognition of sepsis in children.

To further aid clinical staff in diagnosing sepsis early, the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence published updated national guidance in March 2024 on sepsis recognition, diagnosis, and early management, which staff can access alongside NHS England’s online sepsis training programmes. Additionally, the Department continues to fund research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, to improve our understanding of sepsis diagnosis and immediate management.

Treatment of sepsis in NHS hospitals relies on effective antibiotics. The Government is committed to delivering the United Kingdom’s 2024 to 2029 national action plan to confront antimicrobial resistance, to ensure that antibiotics keep working for patients with sepsis.