The HSE launched its new five-year strategy for sepsis, Action on Sepsis: Five-Year Strategy 2026–2030 (PDF, 4MB) this week.
The Irish College of GPs welcomes the publication of the new strategy and recognises the vital role of general practice across sepsis prevention, early recognition and care for patients and families affected by sepsis.
Sepsis can affect anybody, at any time, irrespective of age. In 2025, there were 11,939 documented cases of sepsis and septic shock in Irish acute hospitals, with a sepsis-associated in-hospital mortality rate of 21.2%. Approximately 70% of all sepsis episodes in Ireland are community-acquired.
The College looks forward to continuing to work with the HSE National Clinical Programme for Sepsis, providing sepsis education for GPs and general practice teams, contributing to sepsis research and advocating for our patients and their families.
The five-year strategy is grounded in Irish data and international best practice. It builds on the work to improve sepsis treatment and awareness since the establishment of the National Clinical Programme (NCP) for sepsis in 2014.
September is Sepsis Awareness Month, an annual global campaign to educate the public and healthcare providers about recognising the early signs of sepsis.