Appeal for information on sepsis to be spotlighted
Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP Andrew Bowie wants more focus to be put on the blood infection which killed 29 people over the last year in Grampian.
North East MP Andrew Bowie has said more focus needs to be put on highlighting sepsis after it was revealed 29 people have lost their life to the blood infection in the last year across Grampian.
137 deaths had sepsis registered as a secondary cause.
The West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine MP said the statistics have highlighted the need for national data collection, as part of a drive to equalise treatment opportunities between Scotland and other parts of the UK.
Bowie has urged people to report any early signs, following concerns that fewer people are seeking help due to Covid-19.
NHS Grampian saw a record number of suspected cases through the doors at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Dr Grays Hospital in the past five years.
Conservative Mr Bowie said:
“Any death through a preventable illness is one too many.
“Too many people are dying from something that can be avoided by early detection and administration of antibiotics.
“In 2017, the Scottish Conservatives won support for a nationwide sepsis awareness campaign – and I believe the likes of the NHS Inform Every Hour Counts has saved lives since it launched.
“More needs to be done to highlight this killer disease.
“Most people don’t know a great deal about it
“According to the national charity Sepsis Research (FEAT), public awareness of the five symptoms is ‘not cutting through’ and the latest awareness drive has been delayed until March 2021.
“There is also anecdotal evidence that people aren’t reporting possible symptoms due to the pandemic.
“The reasons why are understandable but the danger in this can’t be overstated."