Newham University Hospital has been kitted out with life-saving equipment to treat people with the serious infection sepsis.

The life-changing condition is the world’s leading cause of death from infection, arising when the body’s response to an infection injures its own tissues and organs.

With fast treatment vital to survival, 16 new trolleys have been rolled out to wards at the hospital in Glen Road, Plaistow, to ensure staff have everything at hand to fight to condition.

“We want to make sure we promptly assess and treat patients with suspected sepsis,” said sepsis lead Dr Rory McDermott.

“Our evidence shows that not enough of our patients get antibiotics quickly enough and we want to put that right.

“This is a big step forward for caring for deteriorating patients.”

Health professionals say there is no one sign of sepsis, which may feel like having flu in its early stages.

Symptoms may include slurred speech or confusion, shivering or muscle pain.