A LEADING sepsis charity will work with the Scottish Government to run a national sepsis awareness campaign this year.
The forthcoming partnership between Sepsis Research FEAT and the Scottish Government aims to save lives by increasing public awareness of sepsis and how to recognise symptoms of the disease.
More than 4,000 people die from sepsis every year in Scotland.
The condition occurs when the body’s response to an infection spirals rapidly out of control, injuring its own tissues and organs.
This can result in multiple organ failures and even death.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government is continuing to work with Sepsis Research FEAT to raise public awareness of the symptoms and dangers of sepsis.
“Patient safety remains key to delivering safe and effective care to all patients every time they access healthcare services and the Scottish Government’s Scottish Patient Safety Programme continues to make progress in its action on sepsis.
“Sepsis Research FEAT play a vital role in funding research into this devastating disease and in making the public aware of the symptoms, and the Scottish Government is supporting them in their efforts.”
The five key symptoms of sepsis which will be highlighted in the campaign are confusion, not passing urine as normal, very high or low temperature, uncontrolled shivering, cold or blotchy arms and legs.
If someone has two or more of these symptoms, which become progressively or rapidly worse, this can indicate sepsis, and urgent medical attention should be sought.
Sepsis Research FEAT previously worked with the Scottish Government on awareness campaigns in 2018 and 2019.
These campaigns, which included radio, print and social media, reached more than 1.3m people across Scotland.
Planned campaigns for 2020 and 2021 were paused because of the Covid-19 pandemic, though Sepsis Research FEAT continued its awareness work independently.
This latest partnership between Sepsis Research FEAT and the Scottish Government will build on the success of the previous campaigns with a Scotland-wide multimedia campaign, which will include nationwide commercial TV and radio for the first time.
It will launch in August with a peak in activity planned to coincide with Sepsis Awareness Month in September.
Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer at Sepsis Research FEAT said: “Sepsis Research FEAT is proud to be working in partnership with the Scottish Government once again and to be leading on this important campaign.
“This year will see our largest campaign yet and we are very much looking forward to sharing it with the public this August.
“It is a devastating condition that can kill a previously healthy adult or child in hours.
“The more people across the country who are able to spot the key symptoms of sepsis in themselves and others, the more lives will be saved.”
