Sepsis under discussion in Leinster House as part of Sepsis Awareness Month - Browne

September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and Tipperary Sinn Féin TD and Chair of the Joint Committee of Public Petitions and the Ombudsman, Martin Browne is urging people across Tipperary to take the opportunity to increase their awareness of Sepsis.

Teachta Browne raised the issue ahead of a presentation on the illness at Leinster House this Tuesday, September 26th.

The presentation which will be opened by Teachta Browne, follows in depth discussion on the illness at the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsman, and a commitment by the Committee to play its part in helping to raise awareness.

Speaking ahead of the presentation Teachta Browne said:

“The HSE revealed to us that more than 12,000 people were treated for sepsis in hospital in 2021 with approximately 1 in 5 people dying as a result of developing Sepsis, which kills more people each year than heart attacks, stroke or almost any cancer.

“Sepsis arises when the body’s response to an infection can act abnormally and injure its own tissues and organs. It may lead to shock, multi-organ failure, and death – especially if not recognized early and treated promptly. It can affect anyone, but it is more common in the very young, the elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions or those with a weakened immune system.

“That is why it’s important for people to become acquainted with the signs and symptoms of sepsis, especially since it is frequently under-diagnosed at an early stage when measures to address it are most effective.

“The presentation will be addressed by Joe Hughes and his partner Karen Phoenix, who lost their 15 year-old son Seán to sepsis.

“I urge people to inform themselves about sepsis. A wealth of information, as well as Sean’s story (Lil Red) is available on www.sepsisfoundation.ie, while further resources and information are available at www2.hse.ie/conditions/sepsis/