Covid19 Updates: 
Resources and Support from UK Sepsis Trust

As you may know, due to the current COVID-19 crisis, the UK Sepsis Trust have extended our support services to cover those who have been critically ill in hospital with COVID-19 and their families. However, current demand for our support services hasn’t seen much of an increase, we know there are many people out there who need our support but don’t know we are here for them, and we need you to help us spread the word that we are here to help! 

For your information, below is an overview of our statement on the extension of our support services and an update on our support line and support groups:
 
•Importantly, we remain passionate and dedicated to support people affected by sepsis. Whether encountering problems with recovery, trying to support a loved one after they leave hospital or struggling with grief, the professional and experienced team is ready to offer information and support. As you may have seen, we have extended our support services to those who have been critically ill in hospital with CoViD-19, and their families. For this crisis we have also developed a new booklet to support people following a critical illness, including COVID-19. More information about sepsis, COVID-19 and a link to the booklet can be found here.

•Our Support line remains unchanged.  Despite us now working from home, the support line remains open 24 hours. Your call will initially be answered by a member of our team, who will not be a health professional, to take details of your situation and how we can contact you. A member of the Support Team will then call you back as soon as possible. Our Freephone number is 0808 800 0029. You can also request email support by completing this form here.
 
•The current climate has unfortunately lead to the postponement of our physical face-to-face groups. However, we are now hosting virtual groups using a platform called Zoom. It is a video and audio software that still allows us to provide valuable peer support to those affected by sepsis. The groups are facilitated by a Support Nurse and attended by a UKST lead volunteer. If you’d like to join us virtually then complete this form here.

Who is at risk of Sepsis?

Anyone can get Sepsis, however some people are more at risk, these include:

• Those who are having or who have recently had treatment for cancer;
• People with diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2);
• Women who are pregnant or have just given birth;
• Those who have recently had an operation;
• People on long-term steroids;
• Those with a wound, cut or bite;
• The very young or very old;
• The immunosuppressed for any other reason (the body has difficulty fighting an infection).

Why did I get Sepsis?

Everybody is at risk of developing Sepsis however some people are more at risk than others. Those more at risk include;

• Those who are having or who have recently had treatment for cancer;
• Are diabetic;
• Are pregnant or have just given birth;
• Have recently had an operation;
• Take long-term steroids;
• Have a wound, cut or bite;
• Are very young or very old;
• Are immunosuppressed for any other reason (the body has difficulty fighting an infection).

What does Sepsis do to your body?

Initially, you may have felt like you were developing flu like illness. You may also have had some or all of the following symptoms;

• Felt very cold and shivery;
• Felt very hot and looked flushed;
• A high temperature;
• Aching muscles;
• Felt very tired;
• Sickness and diarrhoea;
• Low appetite;
• Seemed confused, drunk or had slurred speech.

Post Sepsis Support:

Sepsis Support Group

Sepsis Support groups are held across the country for those who have had a personal experience with and/or know of a friend or family member who has experienced Sepsis. Details of our next group can be found here.

For further details about a support group in your area please contact the UK Sepsis Trust:

Tel: 0800 389 6255

Email: info@Sepsistrust.org

Web: http://Sepsistrust.org/support/support-groups

Please contact 02476 965132 for further details.

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