The Sepsis Clinical Care Standard contains seven quality statements that describe the health care that should be provided to patients of all ages with signs and symptoms of sepsis. It also addresses the care that should be provided in hospital and after discharge, including survivorship. This guide explains what each quality statement from the Clinical Care Standard means for patients and their families.

This resource accompanies the Sepsis Clinical Care Standard. It describes what the quality statements mean for healthcare services and provides indicators to support local quality improvement activity. It outlines key considerations for healthcare services in regard to equity and cultural safety.

Information for clinicians about the significance of elevated serum lactate levels in both adults and children. Recognition of elevated lactate and rapid escalation of care can avoid patient harm and potentially death.

Recommendations for multidisciplinary discharge planning to ensure follow up and support for patients and their families after hospitalisation with sepsis - including a discharge checklist.

Guidance for healthcare services on allocating roles and responsibilities to support quality improvement and coordination of care for sepsis. 

Guidance for hospitals and acute facilities about systems to ensure rapid access to appropriate antimicrobials for patients with sepsis, including use and governance of sepsis boxes.