Cork Documentary Highlights Sepsis Awareness After Tragic Loss

A new documentary titled Sepsis: A Story of Loss, Love and Survival aims to raise awareness about the dangers of sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can affect anyone. The film features the story of James Corcoran, who shares the tragic experience of losing his sister, Tracey Corcoran, to the illness. Tracey, a devoted mother of two, faced numerous health challenges, including a rare form of rheumatoid arthritis and adult-onset Still’s disease.

In May 2020, after experiencing pain over a weekend, Tracey sought medical help. Initially, her family believed her symptoms were related to her existing conditions. However, as her temperature rose, she was taken to Southdoc and later to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU). James recalled, “The paramedics thought it was maybe gastroenteritis but unfortunately it wasn’t. We didn’t have a clue about sepsis then.”

During her stay in the ICU, the family faced the heart-wrenching reality of being unable to visit Tracey due to restrictions. “We were confined to phone calls,” James stated. “She was alone, and who knows what might have happened if she had visitors?” Tracey showed signs of improvement at times, but tragically, she passed away on June 20, 2020, leaving her children, Sophie and William, without their mother.

James now advocates for sepsis awareness as the deputy chairman of the Irish Sepsis Foundation. “Awareness is key,” he emphasized. “Don’t wait until sepsis comes to your door before educating yourselves.” He urges individuals to familiarize themselves with the signs of sepsis, as early diagnosis can significantly impact outcomes.

The documentary not only tells Tracey’s story but also features the experiences of others affected by sepsis. One of the contributors is Kim Wyse, the documentary’s director. In 2016, while pregnant, she experienced sepsis following a ruptured abscess caused by Crohn’s disease. “I was so ill,” she recalled, “and we were told to expect labour to be imminent.”

Kim highlighted her own lack of knowledge about the signs of sepsis at the time. “I know now I had decreased urine output, tachycardia, and a high temperature,” she said. The impact of her illness extended beyond her hospitalization, affecting her family and leading to long-term physical and psychological challenges. She now volunteers with the Irish Sepsis Foundation, aiming to prevent other families from enduring similar experiences.

The documentary is set to premiere on October 23, 2023, at the Odeon Cinema in Point Square, Dublin. Free tickets are available through the Irish Sepsis Foundation’s Eventbrite page. The foundation underscores that sepsis can occur in anyone, regardless of health status, urging the public to recognize the symptoms.

According to the most recent report from the Health Service Executive (HSE), there were 15,722 cases of sepsis reported in Ireland in 2023, including 260 pregnancy-related cases and 2,891 children admitted to hospitals with the condition. The foundation provides guidance on identifying signs of sepsis in both adults and children to enhance public awareness and response.

The stories featured in the documentary serve as a poignant reminder of the urgency of sepsis education. As both James and Kim work to honor the memories of their loved ones, they hope that their experiences can help prevent future tragedies.