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Clinician completing Sepsis e-Learning

Education. Empathy. Action.

Nikki Humber | Client Success Manager

Reflections from The Sepsis Conference 2025 on July 31st 2025

At the end of last month, I had the privilege of attending the Sepsis Conference 2025 at Adelphi House, hosted by Salford Professional Development in collaboration with the UK Sepsis Trust (UKST). Alongside my colleague Michelle, I volunteered on the UKST stand – supporting conversations, sharing resources, and listening to the experiences of delegates from across healthcare.

The day was filled with valuable insight, but one moment in particular stayed with us: hearing Aaron Speer’s story. A sepsis survivor, Aaron shared his experience with honesty and courage. His reflections highlighted not just the physical and emotional impact of surviving sepsis, but also the gaps in communication and aftercare. He spoke about not being told he had sepsis until well after his discharge, and how he only began to understand what he’d been through after reaching out to UKST.

His story was a powerful reminder of why it's so important for clinicians to be confident in naming sepsis and to signpost patients to support – not just at the point of crisis, but during recovery too. The work of UKST in supporting survivors, educating clinicians, and raising public awareness could not be more vital. A recurring theme throughout the day – both in sessions and at the stand – was the challenge of recognising sepsis in vulnerable populations. Time and time again, we heard questions and reflections that reinforced the need for education tailored to patients who may not present with typical symptoms, or who struggle to communicate what they're experiencing.

These conversations felt particularly relevant, as Michelle and I have recently developed a new elearning module: “Sepsis in Vulnerable Populations”. Created in collaboration with the UK Sepsis Trust, this training explores how sepsis can present differently in these groups, how diagnostic overshadowing can delay treatment, and what good practice looks like when communication or cognition is a barrier. It also includes real-world scenarios and solutions to help learners embed the knowledge.

Throughout the day, conversations on the stand echoed the importance of this kind of inclusive education. It reinforced for both of us that creating practical, accessible training isn’t just useful – it’s necessary. Another key area for further training was highlighted in the talk from Dr Nveed Chaudary, who tragically lost his son Jibraan from neutropenic sepsis. We shall be exploring possibilities for creating digital educational resources around these in the coming days.

We left the conference energised by the work still to do – and more confident than ever in the value of what we’re building.

Education. Empathy. Action.

It’s not just a message. It’s how we move forward.

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