A survivor of sepsis in Winnipeg is advocating for changes in Manitoba’s approach to treating the life-threatening condition, inspired by Nova Scotia’s recent actions. Mac Horsburgh, who faced a near-death experience nine years ago due to sepsis triggered by a misdiagnosed finger cyst, expressed his desire for better sepsis protocols in Manitoba.
Horsburgh recounted his harrowing journey, which involved a severe case of sepsis leading to an aneurysm rupture, putting his life in jeopardy. Despite grim predictions from doctors, extensive medical intervention, including surgery and weeks in intensive care, helped him survive.
Reflecting on his experience, Horsburgh emphasized the need for improved sepsis care, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent such critical situations. He commended Nova Scotia’s initiative to accelerate sepsis treatment by empowering nurses and paramedics to initiate antibiotic therapy without waiting for a doctor’s order.
In Nova Scotia, this proactive approach has been implemented to address delays in sepsis treatment, aiming to reduce mortality rates associated with the condition. By equipping healthcare facilities with sepsis treatment kits and standardized detection protocols, Nova Scotia is taking significant steps to enhance patient outcomes.
Acknowledging the impact of sepsis as a leading cause of hospital deaths in Canada, experts underscored the urgency of swift intervention in managing the condition. Dr. Sylvain Lother emphasized the role of early treatment initiation by frontline healthcare providers in mitigating the severity of sepsis and improving patient recovery.
While Manitoba currently restricts antibiotic administration for sepsis to authorized medical personnel, discussions are underway to expand prescribing capabilities to enhance patient care. The Manitoba Nurses Union supports empowering nurses to initiate sepsis treatment promptly, aligning with the goal of optimizing patient outcomes.
Horsburgh remains cautiously optimistic about Manitoba’s potential reforms in sepsis care, emphasizing the importance of actionable steps over mere promises. As the province explores avenues to enhance sepsis management, stakeholders are hopeful for a more efficient and proactive approach to tackling this critical health issue.