Hospital part of World Sepsis Day awareness event

The aim of the day is to raise awareness about the importance of prompt recognition of the signs of sepsis which will assist us with immediate medical action and better patient outcomes.

Sepsis is a life threatening condition. It can happen when the body develops an infection which then affects the organs such as heart, lungs, brain, kidneys. If not treated quickly, sepsis can lead to death. There are around 15,000 cases of sepsis in Ireland each year.

Signs of sepsis include:

Rapid breathing and fast heartbeat

Pale or mottled skin

Confusion or sleepiness

Fever and chills

Feeling the sickest you've ever felt

Extreme pain

'This year as part of our awareness campaign we will have a public awareness stand in the Drogheda Town centre on Friday the 6th September from 10am until 4pm,' a spokesperson stated.

'As pink is the international colour theme for sepsis awareness. We are planning to light some Drogheda land mark buildings pink from Monday the 9th of September until Saturday 14th of September to mark the event and encourage a Drogheda wide conversion about Sepsis awareness with the public on the importance of recognising sepsis.

'For Hospital staff, the day itself will involve presentations from experts in sepsis which notably includes the story from a patient's perspective. Also included in this awareness day are display stands from disciplines within the hospital, poster presentations and quiz competitions.

'Overall this day brings to mind that sepsis can potentially lead to a life threatening response to infection with detrimental consequences. The day aims to keep sepsis high on everyone's agenda as a potential diagnosis therefore leading to prompt treatment and better outcomes for patients.'