Artist and proud Bidjara woman Sheri Skele has created a beautiful contemporary Aboriginal artwork titled ‘Healing Journey.’ This piece serves as a powerful symbol in the fight against sepsis
Across Australia, from the bustling streets of its cities to the serene expanses of its rural landscapes, sepsis emerges as a silent crisis, affecting up to 55,000 people annually. Tragically, about 8,700 of these individuals succumb to the condition, and countless others endure lasting physical, psychological, and cognitive challenges. The stakes are even higher in rural and remote areas, where limited access to healthcare services intensifies the threat posed by sepsis.
Sepsis, deceptive in its onset, presents symptoms that can easily be mistaken for other less severe conditions. This diagnostic challenge is particularly acute in rural communities, where healthcare resources are often scarce and medical personnel might be kilometers away. In these settings, the rate of sepsis incidents and subsequent fatalities can be significantly higher than in urban areas, primarily due to delays in recognising and treating the condition.
In response, Sepsis Australia, alongside the charity T for Thomas and various healthcare organisations, has launched a vigorous campaign to educate and raise awareness about sepsis, with a focus on these underserved areas. September, recognised globally as World Sepsis Month, marks a peak in these efforts.
Adding a cultural dimension to this health battle, Sheri Skele, a renowned Bidjara artist, has created 'Healing Journey,' a piece of contemporary Aboriginal artwork that symbolises resilience against sepsis. This artwork not only raises awareness but also adorns a range of merchandise developed by T for Thomas, helping to spark crucial conversations about sepsis in rural communities.
Dr. Brett Abbenbroek, Program Manager for Sepsis Australia, emphasises the critical need for awareness: “Sepsis is a severe and life-threatening condition that can result from any infection, in any person, at any time. It can be difficult to diagnose quickly as it can resemble any viral or bacterial illness. Awareness raising helps to keep sepsis front of mind when treating patients for illness and infection. If you're unwell, concerned but not sure of the cause then always ask….could it be sepsis?”
Sepsis Australia is committed to disseminating knowledge about the early signs of sepsis, which include fever, rigors, cough, abdominal pain, dysuria, new onset confusion, and decreased level of consciousness. The organisation provides valuable resources designed to enhance the rapid recognition and prompt treatment of sepsis, which are particularly vital in rural areas where healthcare options are limited.
For those interested in learning more about sepsis, its impact on rural communities, or how to support efforts to combat this condition, additional resources and information can be found at www.australiansepsisnetwork.net.au. To explore Sheri Skele’s artwork and its role in this crucial health initiative, visit her profile at Bigi Nagala | Contemporary Female Aboriginal Artist.
Through initiatives like these, Sepsis Australia hopes to bridge the gap in sepsis awareness and treatment between urban and rural areas, fostering a more informed and prepared community that can face the challenges of sepsis head-on. This commitment not only saves lives but also ensures that more Australians can embark on their own paths to recovery and resilience.
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