National Sepsis Program
The Commission is working in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health and Sepsis Australia to extend the National Sepsis Program. This program aims to improve the awareness, recognition and support for people at risk of or diagnosed with sepsis in Australia.
New Online Education – Sepsis in Primary Care
The Commission, in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health, Sepsis Australia and Medcast has developed an online education module for primary health professionals.
This free one hour, CPD approved course features three interactive case studies and three downloadable clinical resources to support primary health professionals recognise and respond to sepsis and post sepsis syndrome. Watch this 1-minute video to find out more.
A live webinar, hosted by Medcast on 18 June 2025 at 7pm AEST will reinforce the important role of primary care in recognising sepsis early, beginning time critical lifesaving treatments and providing support after sepsis.
The webinar will include personal stories from sepsis survivors and people bereaved by sepsis.
New Primary Care resources
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a time-critical medical emergency that arises when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs leading to failure of multiple organs, and death if not recognised and not treated promptly1. Sepsis can occur in response to various types of infections, including bacterial, viral or fungal infections which are acquired both in community or healthcare settings.
National Sepsis Program Extension
In 2022-23, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care engaged the Commission to continue working in partnership with The George Institute for Global Health, Sepsis Australia, and other key stakeholders to extend the National Sepsis Program. Areas of focus under this extension include:
- Developing a national awareness campaign about sepsis
- Developing sepsis education resources for health programs and health professionals
- Building capacity and supporting appropriate care for sepsis survivors
- Developing and publishing data collection tools for hospitals and healthcare services to drive improvements to sepsis care models
- Improving awareness and recognition of risk, identification and response to sepsis for First Nations peoples.
Oversight Group documents
Terms of Reference
Communiques
Background
In 2019, the formerly named Australian Government Department of Health engaged the Commission to work in collaboration with The George Institute for Global Health and Sepsis Australia to coordinate a National Sepsis Program to support improved sepsis outcomes. This initial phase of the program was completed on 30 June 2021, and included the following projects: