A new Scotland-wide campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of sepsis has been welcomed by Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson.
The Scottish Government announced the move after a meeting between Health Secretary Shona Robison and sepsis awareness charity Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust, which was founded in memory of a Bo’ness-based GP who died in August 2012 after contracting the disease.
Sepsis, which is a potentially deadly reaction to infection, kills an average of nearly 10 people in Scotland each day. The radio, newspaper and billboard campaign will highlight the often hard-to-spot symptoms of the condition, which can kill a healthy adult in a matter of hours.
Mr Matheson said: “Fiona’s husband Craig Stobo deserves credit for the work he has done to highlight the dangers of this devastating disease.
“The good news is that mortality rates in Scotland have dropped by 21 per cent since 2012 – and this new campaign will play an important part in further reducing sepsis deaths by creating greater public awareness of its signs and symptoms.
“It will complement the work already being done by Healthcare Improvement Scotland to raise awareness among medical staff.”
Craig Stobo, of the Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust, welcomed the nationwide campaign, adding: “We look forward to working further with the Scottish Government to consolidate the recent, welcome fall in deaths from sepsis, with a focus on continuous improvement to ensure there is safe, consistent care for all sepsis patients across Scotland.”
