United Against Sepsis
During the Irish Presidency of the European Union, the Health Service Executive of Ireland launched Action on Sepsis. This 5-year strategy aims at tackling the challenges of sepsis management and prevention.
The Irish Sepsis Foundation was involved in developing this strategy.
Learn more about Action on Sepsis: https://assets.hse.ie › media › documents › HSE_Action_on_Sepsis_Five_Year_Strategy_2026-20
Ireland has launched Action on Sepsis: Five Year Strategy 2026–2030.
For some, that may sound like another healthcare document. But for those who have survived sepsis, those living with its lasting effects, and families who have lost someone they love, what happens next really matters.
So what is the plan about?
Over the next five years, the strategy aims to improve how Ireland prevents, recognises, treats and responds to sepsis, while also placing greater focus on something we have long advocated for: life after sepsis.
Its key priorities include:
• Stronger leadership and accountability
• Prevention of avoidable cases of sepsis
• Greater public and healthcare awareness
• Earlier recognition and treatment
• Better care and support for sepsis survivors
• More research and learning
These aren’t just headings on a page. Behind every sepsis statistic is a person. A mother, father, child, brother, sister, partner or friend. And behind so many of those people is a family whose life has been changed forever. As the Irish Sepsis Foundation, we were incredibly proud to be part of the launch of this strategy and to bring the patient, survivor and family voice into the room. But the launch cannot be the finish line. Our hope now is that these commitments become real, visible action across our hospitals, maternity services, paediatric care and communities. We want people to recognise the signs of sepsis and feel confident asking, “Could this be sepsis?” We want healthcare professionals supported with the systems and resources needed to recognise deterioration quickly. We want survivors to know that their journey doesn’t simply end when they leave hospital. And we want fewer families to experience the devastating loss that so many in our community already understand. We welcome this strategy. We believe in what it is trying to achieve. And we will continue to advocate, support, raise awareness and ensure lived experience remains part of the conversation. Because a strategy gives us direction.
Action is what will save lives. 