WORLD SEPSIS DAY – 13th SEPTEMBER
Awareness of sepsis and its symptoms has increased following a national campaign highlighting the life-threatening condition.
Launched in February, the radio, print and social media campaign set out to reached more than 1.3 million people across the country, with every community pharmacy in Scotland displaying posters warning of the signs of sepsis.
Following the campaign the number of people aware of the disease, which can be triggered by an infection in any part of the body, increased to 77%.
Almost half of those asked were able to recall the specific symptoms of sepsis, which include confusion, cold or blotchy hands and feet, uncontrollable shivering, very high or low temperature, and going to the toilet less.
Awareness of the need for urgent medical treatment in the first hour also significantly increased to 79%, with 76% stating they are confident about what to do if they suspect sepsis.
Since 2012, mortality rates from sepsis have fallen by 21% due to the work of the Scottish Patient Safety Programme.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “This campaign was a milestone for sepsis awareness and the results we are announcing today, on World Sepsis Day, show this has increased the public’s understanding of the symptoms of sepsis and the quick action needed to save lives.
“One person every four hours dies as a result of sepsis which is why it is so important our work to raise awareness continues.”
The campaign was backed by £70,000 from the Scottish Government with additional funding from FEAT and support from amputee charity Finding Your Feet.
Craig Stobo, Chair of FEAT said: “We welcome the results of this year’s national sepsis awareness campaign as a useful and positive step in the ongoing fight against sepsis.
“We are pleased that the Scottish Government has committed to the next phase of the campaign and are happy to continue working to keep raising sepsis awareness throughout Scotland.”
Corinne Hutton, founder of Finding Your Feet said: “We were delighted to be part of this campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of the mass killer, sepsis, but it doesn’t end here – there is still much work to be done.”
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