A new report on sepsis experiences in Ireland, published by Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, has brought the stark realities of this life-threatening condition into sharp focus. The report, titled Patient and Healthcare Staff Stories Project: Experiences of Sepsis, Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, documents the profound impact of serious infections on patients, families, and healthcare staff across the country.
Commissioned by the Department of Health and carried out by University College Cork, this collection of personal stories offers a powerful look at the human cost of sepsis. It highlights systemic challenges, communication breakdowns, and the long-lasting consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment. For anyone affected by sepsis, this report confirms what they already know: the journey is often traumatic, and the need for better support and accountability is urgent.
Key Findings of the Sepsis Report
Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infection, contributing significantly to hospital admissions and deaths worldwide. The report underscores this reality, detailing how a body’s extreme response to infection can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. In Ireland alone, sepsis claims over 3,000 lives each year, making it a leading cause of mortality.
A central theme emerging from the stories is the critical role of communication. Patients and their families reported both positive and negative experiences. Clear, timely, and compassionate communication was shown to improve patient involvement and satisfaction. However, many felt they were not informed of their sepsis diagnosis soon enough or that the gravity of the situation was not adequately explained. One patient recalled,
“I was told I was going to get very, very sick and just to keep fighting. But I wasn’t told that it was sepsis.”
The report also found that public awareness of sepsis is poor, leading to misconceptions and delays in seeking care. Furthermore, it identified a significant lack of follow-up support for sepsis survivors and their families, who often deal with long-term physical and emotional trauma.
The Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major focus of the report. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten global public health threats. It occurs when bacteria, viruses, and other microbes evolve to resist the medicines designed to kill them, such as antibiotics. This makes common infections harder to treat and can render routine medical procedures dangerous.
Healthcare professionals who contributed to the report described a rapid change in antimicrobial prescribing. They are increasingly reliant on restricted or specialised antibiotics to treat resistant infections. One pharmacist noted an increase in prescribing restricted antimicrobials, while another mentioned having to order treatments from the United States that they had never heard of before, simply because it was the only option left. The global nature of travel further accelerates the spread of these multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), making AMR a pressing issue for Ireland’s healthcare system.
The Human Impact: Personal Stories and Experiences
The report’s power lies in the personal stories it shares, which paint a vivid picture of the devastating impact of sepsis.
Patients’ Journeys
Survivors describe a life permanently altered by sepsis. The physical consequences are severe and long-lasting, including:
- Muscle atrophy and weakness, leading to reliance on wheelchairs or walking aids.
- Organ damage, with some patients developing chronic kidney disease or heart problems.
- Amputations as a result of treatments used to fight the infection.
- Chronic pain and exhaustion that persist for years after the initial illness.
The emotional and psychological toll is just as significant. Many survivors report suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. One patient shared their fear of having more children due to a weakened immune system, while another had to give up their job. This fear can lead to a profound distrust in the healthcare system. As one patient put it,
“You’d want to be really, really sick to go to hospital. You know, nearly dying to go to hospital.”
The Family’s Perspective
Families are not just witnesses to this trauma; they are deeply affected by it. Louisa, whose mother Carol became a sepsis advocate after a harrowing battle, described the emotional trauma and the desperate need for support resources for families. Another family member recounted being in “worst-case scenario mode 24/7” and later suffering from PTSD. The report highlights how the lack of communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, when families had limited access to their loved ones, was a huge source of stress.
Ireland’s Strategy and the Path Forward
In response to the growing crisis, the HSE is finalising its first five-year Action Sepsis Strategy. This strategy aims to improve sepsis management by raising awareness among the public and healthcare staff and ensuring early intervention. The National Clinical Guideline No. 26, which every hospital must follow, provides clear strategies for recognising and treating sepsis in adults.
The report also aligns with Ireland’s second One Health National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which includes several initiatives to improve patient outcomes. However, the stories from healthcare staff reveal significant barriers, including limited resources, time constraints, and communication gaps that hinder effective management. They call for increased staffing for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS), including specialist roles like sepsis liaison nurses.
Legal Accountability and Your Rights
When a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care results in harm, it may constitute medical negligence. In sepsis cases, this can involve a delayed diagnosis, failure to recognise symptoms, or improper treatment.
Patients and their families in Ireland have legal rights. You are entitled to receive appropriate and timely medical care. If this responsibility is not met, you may be able to seek compensation for pain, suffering, and financial losses such as medical bills and loss of earnings. For families who have lost a loved one, a claim for wrongful death can be pursued.
Building a strong legal claim typically involves:
- Gathering all relevant medical records and documentation.
- Consulting with a solicitor who specialises in medical negligence.
- Obtaining an independent expert opinion to assess whether the standard of care was met.
It is important to act promptly, as claims should generally be initiated within two years of the incident or the date you became aware of the negligence.
How We Can Help
The stories in this report are a powerful call for change. They highlight the urgent need for greater awareness, better communication, and robust support systems for those affected by sepsis. Legal accountability is a crucial part of driving this change, ensuring higher standards of care and safeguarding future patients.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a delayed sepsis diagnosis or improper treatment, you are not alone. At HOMS Assist, our compassionate team of medical negligence solicitors is here to listen to your story and advise you on your legal options. We understand the profound impact of sepsis and are committed to helping you find answers and seek the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation to understand your rights and explore your next steps.
