An ambitious national sepsis plan is handed over by an expert group to the Belgian health minister today
Last year, following a television report on sepsis, there was a demand for a scientific report regarding a national sepsis plan. A group of experts worked on this for six months. The working group consisted of 62 experts from different disciplines within the healthcare sector, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and sepsis survivors.
Patient organisation Sepsibel is very happy with the result. For four years, we have fought heaven and earth to get things moving.
After the Pano report we were contacted by many. It was remarkable how many victims struggle with post sepsis effects such as concentration problems, nerve pain and memory loss. 'Finally sepsis is coming to the fore,' they emailed, after which they told of the lack of understanding surrounding their severe symptoms. Even last week, we talked to relatives of two deceased young victims. Their story touches you to every fibre. It makes us keep fighting hard for awareness about sepsis.
And now there is this long-awaited scientific sepsis report. It is a feat, especially considering the speed with which it was produced and the large number of doctors, nurses, experts, organisations and sepsis survivors involved. The collaboration was excellent. People really listened.
We are especially relieved for the recognition of the pain points raised. The management of sepsis in our country could be better, concluded the Pano report. This is also reflected in the report's many recommendations.
Much work remains to translate these recommendations into legislation and initiatives. In the short term, the sepsis body should be established, from which the implementation of the entire plan will be monitored. We hope this happens soon, as every hour counts. We are hopeful for the future.
EN 
NL 
FR