NHS Bets on Wearables to Save 1,000 Sepsis Lives

NHS England is pioneering the use of wearable technology to combat deadly sepsis, with a strategic goal to prevent approximately 1,000 fatalities annually. This initiative is a cornerstone of a larger effort to enhance sepsis monitoring and treatment, targeting a significant reduction in sepsis-related deaths by 2035.

Sepsis, often stemming from bacterial infections, presents with a range of symptoms in adults and children. In adults, these can include confusion, slurred speech, shivering, and breathing difficulties. For infants and children, key indicators involve rapid breathing, high or low temperatures, and unusual sleepiness.

The new NHS England strategy, announced recently, will provide wearable devices, such as watches or bracelets, to individuals at higher risk. These devices will continuously track vital signs, enabling early detection of deterioration and timely testing for sepsis.

This technology is particularly beneficial for vulnerable groups, including cancer patients on immunosuppressants, older adults, and individuals with catheters or serious mental illness. With over 118,000 emergency sepsis admissions reported in England in 2024/25, early intervention is paramount.

Prompt detection and treatment of sepsis dramatically improve survival chances, as every hour of delay increases the risk of death by up to 8%. Some hospitals are already implementing such technologies; for instance, University College London Hospitals is using chest-worn devices for CAR T-cell therapy patients to monitor for sepsis and related conditions.