World Sepsis Day 2026 | News

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust's Sepsis Team was based in the main reception area in Guildford this week to deliver a live demonstration of a sepsis assessment and raise awareness of this life-threatening condition.

World Sepsis Day, observed annually on 13 September, aims to improve public understanding of sepsis, including its recognition, symptoms and impact. The condition affects millions of people globally each year and is associated with one in five deaths worldwide.

In the UK, approximately 245,000 people develop sepsis annually, resulting in around 48,000 related deaths.

Wendy Gray, Sepsis Lead Nurse at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, said:

"Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency arising when the body has an extreme and uncontrolled response to an underlying infection. If detected early, it can be effectively treated with antibiotics, supportive care and close monitoring by medical and nursing teams.

As sepsis can progress very quickly, public awareness of its warning signs and symptoms is one of the most powerful ways to save lives. Knowledge is power when it comes to recognising and responding to potential sepsis in yourself, a family member or a friend. Feeling more unwell than ever before or 'like I'm going to die' is a very common sign of sepsis."

Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs, triggering an overwhelming immune response. While it is more commonly associated with very young children, older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions, sepsis can also affect people who are otherwise fit and healthy.

The demonstration in Royal Surrey's reception area recreated a sepsis assessment using a mannequin, illustrating how a clinical team responds to a patient presenting with the condition.

Earlier this year, clinical specialists at Royal Surrey launched a research study aimed at improving understanding of sepsis and its long-term effects. The study recruited patients from across the hospital to investigate the mechanisms responsible for immunosuppression, a recognised long-term consequence of sepsis that can leave survivors more vulnerable to recurrent infections. Analysis of the study findings is currently ongoing.

Further information on the signs and symptoms of sepsis in adults and children, as well as resources for those recovering from the condition, is available from the UK Sepsis Trust.https://sepsistrust.org/