Torres and Cape health staff are diagnosing sepsis more frequently, and initiating treatment earlier, leading to better outcomes for patients in the region.
The number of sepsis cases identified in the Torres Strait, Cape York and Northern Peninsula Area is at its highest level in at least five years with 187 presentations at Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) facilities in the past 12 months.
There were just 114 diagnoses of the life-threatening condition made during the 2019-20 financial year.
TCHHS Executive Director Medical Services Dr Marlow Coates said the increase was likely due to promotion and education campaigns which encourage earlier presentation at health facilities by patients and lower thresholds for clinicians to consider and start treatment for possible sepsis.
“If a patient with sepsis presents late in their illness, or sepsis is left undiagnosed or untreated, then we know that health outcomes are worse,” Dr Coates said.
“This increase in the number of presentations is a testament to continually improving engagement with consumers by frontline health staff, and good clinical care delivery.
“Earlier presentation and diagnosis ensure patients receive the treatment they need faster and potentially, closer to home, rather than requiring transfer to larger hospitals.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the body has an extreme response to an infection. Early symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, and confusion.
Cooktown and Thursday Island Hospitals have both had 63 presentations this year, with Weipa Integrated Health Service having 34 and Bamaga Hospital seeing 27 cases.
World Sepsis Day is held during September each year to raise awareness of the condition and promote prevention.
Dr Coates said the key to prevention for people in the community was good hygiene, keeping scratches and wounds clean and dry, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and presenting early to health services when skins sores do not heal or turn red, sore or develop pus.
“It is also essential to stay up-to-date on recommenced vaccinations, manage chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart issues, and seek immediate help at your local hospital or Primary Health Care Centre if you have signs or symptoms of an infection,” he said.