Paul McAuliffe
Question:597. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the spend on sepsis awareness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5820/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 February 2022
Questions (597)
Written answers
This matter relates to the work of the HSE National Sepsis Programme which was established in 2014. The HSE has advised that several senior nurses and a National Clinical Lead for Sepsis have been appointed to coordinate and drive the work of the programme. Placing a focus on sepsis awareness, and promotion of early recognition of sepsis are key elements of the programme. While the initial priority was on raising awareness among healthcare staff, the focus has since moved to raising awareness in the community. To support this, several patient focused resources (including patient information leaflets, booklets, and posters) have been developed, along with educational and clinical management resources for healthcare staff. These are available on the HSE website under the webpages of the National Sepsis Programme. The work of the programme also supports the implementation of the National Clinical Guideline No. 26: Sepsis Management for Adults (including maternity) and the International Guidelines for the Management of Septic Shock & Sepsis-Associated Organ Dysfunction in Children (SSCGC).
The HSE has also advised that several key achievements have been realised by the Sepsis Team in 2021. These include publication of several reports and guidelines, an adult sepsis eLearning programme, and development and update of a suite of sepsis forms. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, many sepsis awareness events took place in hospitals to mark World Sepsis Day on 13 September 2021, and throughout the month of September, which is recognised internationally as ‘Sepsis Month’. Sepsis and sepsis awareness were also highlighted through various media platforms and many HSE staff supported the ‘Wear Pink’ for sepsis awareness initiative on the day.
Additionally, plans are underway to continue to promote sepsis awareness in 2022, including the implementation of the Paediatric Surviving Sepsis Campaign Guideline recommendations. The HSE have also advised that educational initiatives currently planned for 2022 will include development of a Paediatric Sepsis eLearning programme, in follow-on from the adult sepsis eLearning programme in 2021. A national sepsis education event is planned for September, to coincide with ‘Sepsis Month’, and high-lighting sepsis awareness will continue among hospital staff and the public through multiple media channels. The Sepsis Team also plan to attend large national events to increase public awareness of sepsis, as national guidance on management of Covid-19 allows.