Barnet Hospital’s Labour ward has become the pilot site for a severe sepsis improvement project at the hospital.

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of maternal death in the UK. The implementation of a similar initiative at the Royal Free Hospital in 2013 has markedly improved the management of severely septic women in the maternity service. Data collected on patient outcomes have demonstrated a 10% reduction in mortality and 50% reduction in length of stay.

This approach is now being introduced at Barnet Hospital with the development of an adapted pathway and the launch of a specific obstetric sepsis trolley, as well as the appointment of sepsis champions to help raise local awareness and collect data.

Initial data has already demonstrated excellent results with 100% compliance with the new pathway in the last two months on Labour ward.

Sonia Brocklesby, consultant anaesthetics labour ward, said:  “This is clearly a challenging and exciting project for all staff. I am sure with engagement, education, and enthusiasm we will see a significant improvement in sepsis treatment for women in Barnet.”

A second pilot site is being planned at the hospital’s emergency department in the next few weeks.

Picture (L-R): Jacob Stone, student midwife; Kim Robinson, health care assistant; Mary Darkoah, health care assistant; Lucy Paul, student midwife; Joan Harman, practice educator; Karen Griffin, patient safety and risk manager for women; Elizabeth Morakinyo, consultant obstetrics; Sonia Brocklesby, consultant anaesthetics; Riaz Aziz, anaesthetics doctor.

ENDS

Notes to editors

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About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London.