CMO Message – 13 September
World Sepsis Day 2023 – continuing the fight against sepsis
On World Sepsis Day, we recognise efforts across the globe to strive for better sepsis care, and to reduce the impact of this life-threatening illness.
Every year 55,000 Australians are diagnosed with sepsis and more than 8,700 lose their lives. The Commission is committed to reducing the devastating impact of sepsis and improving outcomes for survivors.
The Commission continues to work in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health and Sepsis Australia to improve the awareness and recognition of sepsis through the National Sepsis Program.
Recognising sepsis as a medical emergency
As a practising Emergency Physician, I know that sepsis is time-critical and can be difficult to diagnose. Timely recognition can be the difference between life and death.
Last year we released the first national Sepsis Clinical Care Standard which describes the core requirements for improving sepsis care, helping clinicians to recognise sepsis as a medical emergency and provide coordinated high-quality care.
There's more to come – the Commission, together with The George Institute for Global Health and Sepsis Australia, are planning further initiatives such as sepsis education and training for health professionals, awareness campaigns and care planning processes for sepsis survivors.
Thank you to all who are supporting us on this journey. Let's continue to unite in the fight to improve how we identify and respond to sepsis across Australia.
If we can spot the warning signs early and act quickly, together we can save lives.
Just think, could it be sepsis?
Yours sincerely,
Conjoint Associate Professor Carolyn Hullick
A/g Chief Medical Officer
For more information, visit: safetyandquality.gov.au/national-sepsis-program
