The region’s ambulance service is at the forefront of sepsis research and action.

Today is World Sepsis Day and the ambulance service is pushing to raise awareness over the importance of tackling sepsis, as more than 44,000 people in the UK die every year from sepsis.

Sepsis, more commonly known as severe blood poisoning, can affect the whole body and its vital organs and is the leading cause of death from infection.

Tracy Nicholls, head of Clinical Quality at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) and member of the NHS England Cross System Programme Board said: “The Trust has been integral in the sepsis story for four years now by trialling diagnosis pilots and training staff in the latest tools to help them think about a sepsis diagnosis.

“Our staff are dedicated and they are doing a really great job – but we all agree there is always more that can be done. We are still seeing between 370 and 400 cases in the region a month and I want us to continue pushing on and continue to raise awareness of this condition.

“We want sepsis to be as high profile as a stroke or heart attack.

“The key to reducing the prevalence of sepsis is timely recognition and diagnosis, quick administration of antibiotics and the involvement of experts including intensive care specialists – and we play a key role in that.”

The trust was the first in the country to carry out trials around the diagnosis of sepsis and has shared its learning with others to help improve the care patients receive.