Neonatal sepsis occurs in about 4 in every 1000 live births1 and can prove fatal or cause complications that last for the rest of the child’s life. According to NICE, midwives, health visitors and other healthcare professionals should think “could this be sepsis?” when a patient presents with signs or symptoms that indicate possible infection.2 However, diagnosis can prove diffcult. This module introduces the causes, diagnosis and treatment of neonatal sepsis alongside information around spotting sepsis in older children.

After studying this module, you should:

• Be able to describe the incidence and clinical consequences of neonatal sepsis
• Better understand the causes and risk factors for sepsis
• Recognise patients at high-risk of neonatal sepsis and when to call 999
• Be familiar with the role of antibiotics in the treatment of neonatal sepsis