NHS launches strategy to prevent one in four sepsis deaths by 2035 using wearable technology

NHS England has launched a major strategy to prevent thousands of sepsis deaths by 2035, aiming to save 1,000 lives annually. Sepsis causes around 4,000 deaths a year in England, with a quarter deemed preventable. The blueprint focuses on early detection by equipping high-risk patients with wearable devices like watches and chest monitors to track vital signs at home. This initiative comes as England recorded over 118,000 emergency sepsis admissions in 2024/25, highlighting the critical need for rapid intervention.

NHS sepsis prevention strategy

• ▪NHS England launched a strategy to prevent thousands of sepsis deaths by 2035, aiming to prevent 1,000 deaths annually
• ▪Sepsis is estimated to cause around 4,000 deaths a year in England, with a quarter of those deaths deemed preventable

Wearable technology for monitoring

• ▪The wearable devices will monitor vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate at home to automatically flag patient deterioration
• ▪The NHS strategy includes plans to give wearable devices, such as watches, bracelets, or mobile phone technology, to people at risk of sepsis

Early sepsis detection importance

• ▪For every hour of delayed sepsis treatment, the risk of death increases by up to 8%
• ▪NHS figures show there were more than 118,000 emergency admissions for sepsis in England during the 2024/25 period

UCLH CAR T trial

• ▪The UCLH trial has tested the wearable monitor in 29 patients with weakened immune systems to track heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature
• ▪University College London Hospitals is conducting the PREDDICT clinical trial testing chest-worn monitors on patients receiving CAR T cell therapy

Sepsis risk factors

• ▪Sepsis symptoms in adults include confusion, slurred speech, uncontrollable shivering, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, skin discoloration, and low urine output
• ▪People on immunosuppressive treatments, older people, individuals with catheters, or those with serious mental illness are at higher risk of sepsis

Patient safety framework

• ▪The UK Sepsis Trust welcomed the framework's plans to increase sepsis recognition, integrate rapid diagnostics, and strengthen support for survivors
• ▪The sepsis modern service framework was published alongside a new national Quality strategy to improve safety, effectiveness, and care experience