Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, I am on the campus.

I thank all the witnesses for coming in today and telling their story. I am so sorry. I am a mother and a grandmother. I cannot even imagine what it has been like for them to go through what they have gone through, knowing that this could have been in some way stopped. That is the most difficult piece of it. Their beautiful children could have been here today if that awareness had been out there. Mr. Callaghan is going through a difficult time and I commend him on the work he is doing. I commend everybody on the phenomenal work they are doing. I hope that as a result of today's meeting something will definitely shift.

I believe Ms O'Mahony mentioned the importance of a public awareness campaign, which is absolutely vital now. There must be a public awareness campaign for sepsis. Why is it not treated as being that important? What is the thinking on that? Why is sepsis not highlighted? Why is there not as much awareness of sepsis as there is of cancer, heart disease and stroke? What is the block there? I am flummoxed on that.

Deputy Hourigan earlier mentioned pharmacies. What is the thinking on that? If somebody was aware that it could be sepsis, would it be an idea for them to go to their local pharmacy and discuss with the pharmacist what is going on? Perhaps the pharmacy could prevent this happening.

Is it hard to diagnose patients who may experience symptoms but already have existing conditions or illnesses? In the work the witnesses have done, have they ever experienced somebody who has symptoms of sepsis but they already have existing conditions or illnesses? Those are my questions. I hope I am not complicating things by asking those questions.