World Sepsis Day took place yesterday, September 13th and initiatives are underway in all hospitals across the Saolta University Health Care Group to promote sepsis awareness amongst hospital staff, patients, relatives and members of the public.
This day was marked this year in Roscommon Hospital (RUH) and the improvements made in sepsis identification and treatment throughout the hospital were highlighted for patients and staff.
Sepsis is a common, time-dependant medical emergency. It can affect a person of any age, from any social background and can strike irrespective of any underlying good health or any concurrent medical conditions. International sepsis campaigns that have introduced and promoted an approach to sepsis care based on early recognition of sepsis with resuscitation and timely referral to critical care have reported reductions in mortality from severe sepsis/septic shock in the order of 20-30%. (Source: Department of Health 2014)
Commenting Anne Scahill, Clinical Nurse Lead for Sepsis at Roscommon Hospital said
“Sepsis is common and often deadly. It remains the primary cause of death from infection, despite advances in modern medicine like vaccines, antibiotics, and Intensive Care. We are highlighting it today here in hospital and providing information to patients, staff and the public”.
Promotional materials available include patient information leaflets, presentation of local audit reports and displays of sepsis management pathways for hospital staff.
Staff across the Roscommon Hospital are involved in promoting Sepsis Awareness Day. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the event by talking to staff about the signs of sepsis and what to do if they suspect sepsis.