Information for families whose child has been newly diagnosed with sepsis

We understand that your child’s diagnosis of sepsis is a stressful and confusing experience that often involves a long stay in hospital. We have a helpful Information for parents, carers and families of children with sepsis for you, available in English and 10 other languages.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, we have an information sheet specific to your needs.

The information sheets describe:

  • what is sepsis
  • the care your child may experience in hospital
  • support for your family in hospital, including cultural support
  • questions you could ask your child's healthcare team
  • helpful resources.

Read the sepsis parent and carer information sheet in other languages.

Information for families whose child has died from sepsis

The death of your child is devastating. We acknowledge that the grief you are experiencing is unlike anything you would have experienced before. We have developed an Information for parents, carers and families of children who have died from sepsis resource, to help you to understand what happened to your child and who can support you.

Family Support Network

Parents have described a sense of isolation and uncertainty in their child being affected by an unknown or unfamiliar condition such as sepsis. The lifelong impacts of sepsis can require ongoing care for many years. Given this, we want all families to be well supported and have access to useful information and resources.

We invite you to join our statewide Family Support Network, managed by the Queensland Paediatric Sepsis Program (QPSP). Once registered, you may choose to access any, or all of the following:

  • sepsis information and resources
  • contribute to clinical and family educational materials developed by QPSP
  • connect with other parents and carers through the QPSP Peer Mentor Program
  • participate in paediatric sepsis research led by QPSP
  • involvement in public awareness campaigns led by QPSP
  • share your own story through QPSP organised media opportunities.

Register here for the Family Support Network.

Peer Mentor Program

The Peer Mentor Program aims to provide families with the unique understanding, encouragement and support which only another parent who has walked a similar path can provide.

Peer Mentors provide support and information on “navigating the journey” of sepsis treatment and medical care or bereavement. Peer Mentors are required to participate in training prior to commencement and continue to be provided with ongoing support and supervision by Peer Mentor Program Leads (Advanced Social Workers) throughout their time with the program.

Peer Mentors have first-hand experience with:

  • adjusting to a child’s sudden and potentially lengthy hospital admission
  • identifying services and resources that may be helpful during this time, and following discharge
  • caring for the emotional needs of other children in the family
  • understanding grief and adjustment associated with a child’s diagnosis of sepsis and the lifelong impacts
  • returning to everyday activities, including employment
  • communicating with other family members and friends.

Register here if you would like to be supported by another parent or carer.

Register here if you are interested in supporting other families, as a Mentor.

For more information, please contact the Peer Mentor Program Lead paediatricsepsis@health.qld.gov.au.

More sepsis support and information

Find more information and support for your child and family on the Sepsis Australia and Sepsis Alliance (US) websites.

Last updated: December 2024

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