Successful Big Conversation Event on Sepsis Held in Cwmbran
Yesterday, Thursday 18th September, health professionals and those affected by Sepsis came together for The Big Conversation: Sepsis event - a powerful day of listening and learning hosted by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Cwmbran.
The event was opened by Nicola Prygodzicz, Chief Executive of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, who welcomed attendees with a heartfelt acknowledgement of the Health Board’s responsibility to improve sepsis recognition and care. She also offered a sincere apology for occasions when sepsis responses had fallen short and urged all present to share their experiences openly to help drive change.
“This is not just another event,” she said. “This is a moment of truth, a moment to listen carefully, reflect humbly, and acknowledge that while we are committed to excellence, we have not always got it right.”
Following the CEO’s address, Jennifer Winslade, Executive Director of Nursing, outlined the journey that led to the event. She described how early 2023 saw a troubling pattern of deteriorating patients not being recognised or escalated in time. Rather than apportioning blame, the Health Board began by listening, conducting reviews of serious incidents and uncovering recurring issues such as incomplete observations and missed opportunities to escalate care.
“We found a workforce that cared deeply and wanted to do better.” Jennifer said.
She highlighted key improvements already underway, including standardised observations, staff education programmes, and the introduction of Call 4 Concern, a system allowing patients and families to request an urgent second opinion if they fear a loved one’s condition is worsening.
Throughout the day, powerful and moving patient stories underscored why sepsis awareness and rapid response are critical.
Videos shared the experiences of Corinne and Laurence Cope, who lost their son Dylan; Amy Whiting, bereaved mother of Skyla; sepsis survivor, Geraint Mullins; Leisha Davies, who continues her brave recovery; and Tracy and her fiancé Mark, who recounted their own sepsis journey. Their testimonies were described by participants as “courageous and deeply moving”, reminding everyone that behind every clinical decision is a person, a family and a future.
Terence Canning of the UK Sepsis Trust spoke about the importance of raising awareness and recounted the loss of his brother to sepsis. Dr Paul Mizen, Clinical Lead at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, provided an update on the national picture. Jonathan Lloyd-Evans, Consultant Intensivist at The Grange University Hospital, detailed the Call 4 Concern service, and Karen Newman, Assistant Director of Communications, together with Lisa Orford-Morgan, Senior Communications Officer, presented the Health Board's Sepsis Awareness Campaign.
Community Pharmacist, Kyle Price, shared an example of how campaign materials enabled him to recognise early sepsis symptoms in a patient and guide them to life-saving care.
Matthew Kvedaras, Assistant Quality and Patient Safety Assurance Lead, presented the local picture, outlining new processes to improve patient safety.
In the afternoon, round-table discussions gave attendees the chance to talk about experiences and share ideas.
Closing the day, organisers emphasised that this was not the end but a milestone in an ongoing journey.
“Listening is not a soft skill,” attendees were reminded. “It is an act of leadership and compassion.”
The Health Board reaffirmed its commitment to making Think Sepsis instinctive across staff and the wider community, implementing updated national guidelines, and expanding Call 4 Concern so that every patient and family has a voice.
Assistant Director for Quality and Patient Safety, Leeanne Lewis, who chaired the event, thanked all participants:
“Every story we heard today is a call to action. Every idea shared is a seed for change. Together, by truly listening and learning with compassion, we can create a future where fewer families experience the heartbreak of sepsis and more know the relief of a life saved.”