A hospital in Harlow has been recognised for its work to rapidly identify and treat patients with sepsis.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, was awarded a Global Achievement award on Monday (November 16) by UNIVANTS of Healthcare Excellence.

The awards created by health technology organisation Abbot receives hundreds of applications from 141 countries and the trust was one of 24 winners around the world.

A team of clinicians at the trust were acknowledged for working on the introduction of the Procalcitonin (PCT) test for the early identification of sepsis at the emergency department in summer last year.

The level of Procalcitonin in the blood increases significantly in bacterial infections causing sepsis. The trust said the test enables rapid diagnosis and treatment.

The test is taken immediately when a patient shows signs of possible sepsis and the results are available within an hour.

A raised level of Procalcitonin alerts staff to to patients whose condition may deteriorate rapidly, allowing for very close monitoring and early review by a senior doctor.

The trust said this will help to continue to reduce devastating consequences of sepsis.

As well as the introduction of the PCT test there has been a variety of other work done by the trust to improve the outcomes of sepsis patients.

This includes the use of te new blood culture analyser in the ED to support earlier diagnosis.

Information officer for the trust, Miss Helen Pardoe said: "To receive international recognition for the work done here in Harlow to fight sepsis is an amazing achievement.

"We will continue our work to improve outcomes from sepsis for our patients, families and carers."