On his website, he says: “Every doctor that saw me on admission to hospital missed what were the classic signs of sepsis.
“They didn’t know what was wrong with me so I was simply put into a side ward, the curtains were closed around me and I was left to die.”
In his speech to the RCN, Mr Ray will call for more support and mandatory training for all members of the nursing and midwifery professions.
He said: “Poor outcomes for patients are equally dramatic for staff, friends and family and they will continue to happen if nursing staff are over-stretched, under-trained and unsupported.
“My own experience has placed huge strain on myself, my family and my carers – and it should never have happened.
“Damage and even death from sepsis will continue until there is a commitment to educate all staff to give every patient the care and attention that is needed to spot and treat sepsis as fast as possible.”
“They didn’t know what was wrong with me so I was simply put into a side ward”
Tom Ray
Rose Gallagher, professional lead for infection prevention and control at the RCN, said: “Without the right number of nurses with the right training, we will struggle to identify and manage potential cases of sepsis – and we must have better public awareness to help people recognise the potential symptoms of sepsis and seek help quickly.
“Patients who survive sepsis are also left with long-term physical and psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, fatigue, decreased cognitive function, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
“Life can be challenging not only for patients but also for their families.”
Mr Ray’s clinician, Pippa Bagnall, said: “Investment in nursing staff education shouldn’t be seen as a cost – it’s an investment that everyone benefits from.
“Two hours of training for each nursing professional could massively reduce the £15 billion cost of sepsis to the NHS.”
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