News

World Sepsis Day 2025: Ask 'could it be sepsis?'
This World Sepsis Day (13 September 2025), Albury Wodonga Health is urging you to ask one simple, life-saving question:

Could it be sepsis?

Every minute counts when it comes to this time-critical condition. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. Without early recognition and treatment, it can lead to septic shock, multi-organ failure and death.

In Australia, more than 8,700 people die from sepsis every year, three times more than common cancers, and four times more than road trauma.
Early recognition and urgent treatment save lives. That’s why it’s critical to recognise the signs and symptoms of sepsis. 

Symptoms to look for 

In adults

• Rapid breathing or heart rate
• Confusion, slurred speech or disorientation
• Fever or shivering
• Muscle pain
• Not passing urine
• Discoloured skin

In children

Seek urgent medical care if a child has:

• Convulsions or fits
• Rapid breathing
• Discoloured skin, very pale or bluish
• A rash that doesn’t fade when you press it
• Fever OR very low temperature
• No urine (or no wet nappy) for several hours
• Vomiting repeatedly
• Not feeding

For both adults and children, it may not be a single symptom, but a combination of changes, or simply feeling worse than usual without a clear reason.

(Source: Sepsis Australia)

Following the AWH Sepsis Pathway

Sepsis is a medical emergency, just like a stroke or heart attack. If sepsis is suspected, rapid response is critical.

At AWH, the Sepsis Pathway is designed to support fast, coordinated care, with key actions to be completed within the first 60 minutes of recognising sepsis. These actions help improve survival, reduce long-term complications, and ensure patients receive the right care, fast.

Recognising our AWH Sepsis Champions

AWH acknowledges the dedicated working group and clinicians leading improvements in sepsis recognition and response, particularly across our Emergency Departments. 

Special thanks to:

• Dr Justin Jackson – Infectious Disease Physician
• Dr Glenn Singleman – Deputy Director, Wodonga ED
• Ian Aldrich – ED Clinical Nurse Consultant
• Evonne Hargreaves – ED Nurse Practitioner
• Johanna Hunt – ED Pharmacist

Their leadership continues to drive better adherence to the Sepsis Pathway and stronger communication with patients and families.
Learn more

For more information, visit the Australian Sepsis Network