Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron

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The UK Sepsis Trust CEO and Founder Dr Ron Daniels speaks sepsis and infection management with an array of guests from the realm of healthcare and beyond. Tackling some of the big questions such as ’W... more

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FAQs about Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron:

How many episodes does Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.

Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron episodes:

October 27, 2025Sepsis and surgical mesh complications: Sling The Mesh’s Kath Sansom on the need for fully informed patient consent
Dr Ron Daniels is joined by journalist and campaigner Kath Sansom, founder of Sling The Mesh, to discuss the complications linked to surgical mesh and why fully informed consent is crucial for anyone considering surgery.
Drawing on her own experience and a decade of advocacy, Kath shares how inadequate information and follow-up have left thousands facing life-changing pain and recurrent infections – some of which can progress to sepsis.
Together, the pair explores how to improve patient safety, strengthen regulation, and ensure every voice is heard.
In this episode they cover:
What surgical mesh is and why it’s used
The potential for infection and therefore sepsis after mesh procedures
Why some people get recurring infections after mesh is fitted
The importance of long-term follow-up and accurate device registries
The medical device approval process shortcomings
The campaign for transparency, accountability, and informed consent
Practical advice for anyone recovering from mesh surgery
Learn more or get support if you’ve had a procedure involving mesh at slingthemesh.co.uk
Visit sepsistrust.org for information about sepsis and its symptoms.
You can also try our free Sepsis Assessment Tool – a Class I medical device registered with the MHRA – to help decide when and how to escalate care.
If you’re worried about infection, remember just ask: Could it be sepsis?
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36min
September 13, 2025World Sepsis Day 2025: Introducing the Sepsis Assessment Tool
September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and the UKST team has been busy: from a Westminster meeting with ambassador Harry Redknapp and “bionic” Lord Craig Mackinlay, to nationwide #SepsisSavvy awareness events. But now, the spotlight turns to a project that's been years in the making...
For World Sepsis Day 2025, UK Sepsis Trust’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer Dr Ron Daniels hosts a special edition of Sepsis Voices to unveil the charity’s brand-new Sepsis Assessment Tool: a free online checker that helps you determine the best course of action if you or a loved one has an infection.
Joining Dr Ron is our first returning podcast guest, Melissa Mead, UKST’s Clinical Partnerships Lead and tireless sepsis awareness campaigner since the death of her son, William, in 2014. Melissa explains how this new tool could have changed her family’s story, and how it can save others’ lives from today.
Together the pair discuss:
How the Sepsis Assessment Tool works and when to use it
How the tool will empower people to advocate for themselves and their loved ones
Safeguards to prevent unnecessary strain on NHS services
The key sepsis symptoms everyone should know
The tool is free and live from today (13th September) at sepsistrust.org
Learn more at: https://sepsistrust.org/about-sepsis/spotting-the-signs-of-sepsis/
Check your symptoms, share it with loved ones, and remember the question that saves lives: Could it be sepsis?
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23min
August 15, 2025A global approach to sepsis: Lessons from Western Australia with Dr Julie Dockerty
In episode 21 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer is joined by Dr Julie Dockerty, emergency medicine consultant and Principal Medical Advisor at the Department of Health in Western Australia, to explore how one of the world’s most remote and vast regions is tackling sepsis through systemic change.
Drawing on parallels with the UK’s own journey, Ron and Julie discuss the unique challenges of improving sepsis outcomes across Western Australia’s diverse geography and population – from urban centres to remote Aboriginal communities.
Julie shares her experience leading a unified approach to sepsis across WA’s healthcare system, and the importance of cultural safety, stakeholder engagement, and sustained political will in ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
The episode covers:
The logistical and political challenges of healthcare reform in Western Australia
The relationship between rurality, ethnicity, and sepsis outcomes
The need to address health inequalities beyond First Nations people
Lessons learned from the UK’s approach to sepsis
Why collaboration between countries is key to tackling sepsis globally
Tune in for a compelling conversation about equity, innovation, and the power of global knowledge-sharing in the fight against sepsis.
You can learn more about sepsis and the UK Sepsis Trust’s mission at https://sepsistrust.org/
Access our clinical tools: https://sepsistrust.org/healthcare-professionals/clinical-tools/
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36min
July 10, 2025‘We need a national campaign’: Political action on sepsis with Lee Anderson MP
In episode 20 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer is joined by Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield and a leading parliamentary voice on sepsis.
Lee speaks candidly about how the condition has affected his own family – with his wife surviving sepsis twice – as well as constituents, and his friend and former colleague Lord Mackinlay, who lost all four limbs after contracting sepsis.
These experiences have fuelled Lee’s passionate calls for a Government-backed public awareness campaign and his support for the relaunched All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sepsis, now one of the largest APPGs in Westminster.
The episode covers:
Lee’s personal connection to sepsis
The life-changing impact of sepsis on friends and constituents
Why the APPG on Sepsis is vital to driving Government action
The importance of early recognition, education and post-sepsis support
Calls for unified care across all four nations of the UK
The economic case for early diagnosis and better frontline training
Lee’s message to fellow MPs and the public about why awareness matters
Tune in for a powerful conversation on how personal experience drives political action – and why Lee agrees with UKST that sepsis must become a national health priority.
You can learn more about sepsis and the UK Sepsis Trust’s mission at sepsistrust.org
Learn more about the APPG on sepsis: https://www.parallelparliament.co.uk/APPG/sepsis

Watch Lee’s Westminster Hall debate on sepsis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfdQuk_6HeQ
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19min
June 12, 2025Fighting for dignity: Evan Francis on life with Fowler’s Syndrome, urosepsis and patient power
In episode 19 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer is joined by Evan Francis, a disability campaigner and survivor of urosepsis, to mark Catheter Awareness Week in June.
Evan lives with Fowler’s Syndrome – a rare condition affecting the bladder that led to her long-term catheterisation and a life-threatening sepsis episode. In this frank and informative conversation, she shares the realities of navigating daily life with a suprapubic catheter, the challenge of being heard by healthcare professionals, and why self-advocacy is vital in managing long-term conditions like hers.
This episode builds on our previous conversation with Kidney Care UK, highlighting the increased risk of infection and sepsis associated with in-dwelling devices, and the need for greater public and clinical understanding.
The episode covers:
Evan’s experience of Fowler’s Syndrome and the onset of urosepsis
The role of long-term catheter use in increasing sepsis risk
Antibiotic resistance, and the importance of symptom tracking
Stigma and misunderstanding around hidden disabilities
The need for compassionate, joined-up care across the health system
Tune in for a compelling conversation on lived experience, dignity in care, and how listening to patients can lead to better outcomes for all.
If you’ve been affected by sepsis and would like free support, reach out today: https://sepsistrust.org/get-support/
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41min
March 19, 2025World Oral Health Day: Sepsis survivor Nick Whelan on the dangers of untreated dental infections
In this episode of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, we shine a light on the links between dental infections and sepsis – just in time for World Oral Health Day on 20th March.
Host Dr Ron Daniels, Founder & Chief Medical Officer of UK Sepsis Trust speaks to Scottish sepsis survivor and university student, Nick Whelan, about his harrowing ordeal.
Listen to learn:
How a routine tooth infection led Nick to develop life-threatening sepsis
The early warning signs Nick missed – and how he eventually realised something was seriously wrong
Why young, healthy people shouldn’t assume they’re invincible to sepsis
Practical advice on recognising and responding to potential sepsis symptoms
The importance of timely dental care in preventing serious infections
The need for equitable access to dental care across the devolved nations of the UK
UKST’s work to educate clinical professionals including dentists about sepsis
How Nick’s physical and mental health were affected by his experience
The range of support available to sepsis survivors and their caregivers
Nick’s story shows how sepsis can affect anyone, at any time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of infection, seek medical attention immediately – early intervention can be life-saving.
Need support? Visit sepsistrust.org for help and resources.
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36min
February 04, 2025Managing infection and sepsis risks in the cancer community – with expert advice from Blood Cancer UK
Released for World Cancer Day (4th February), episode 17 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron highlights a critical crossover that cancer patients to be aware of between infection, neutropenia, and sepsis.
Dr Ron Daniels, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer, is joined by Blood Cancer UK’s Health Information Manager, Rachel Yarham, to discuss:
Why cancer patients often face a higher risk of infection and therefore sepsis
How neutropenia affects the immune system and how it relates to blood cancer
The key signs of infection that could progress to sepsis if left untreated
The fantastic free resources that Blood Cancer UK has created to make patient advocacy easier – including a behind-the-scenes look at the project
The role of charity collaboration in disseminating life-saving information
Sepsis can escalate rapidly, but with the right knowledge, early intervention can save lives.
Whether you're living with cancer, caring for someone who is, or just want to be more informed, this episode offers essential advice and shines a spotlight on a fantastic new resource created by Blood Cancer UK, that is fully endorsed and supported by UKST: https://bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/treatment/infection-neutropenia-sepsis/
As ever, if you’ve been affected by sepsis you can access our free, nurse-led support services at https://sepsistrust.org/get-support/
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25min
November 25, 2024Men’s Health Month: Sepsis, survival and strength with Rob Forkan and Louis Rickman
In episode 16 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer speaks with two inspiring guests for Men’s Health Month. Rob Forkan shares his extraordinary journey of resilience after surviving the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and later battling sepsis. He offers powerful insights into finding purpose and strength through unimaginable challenges.
Devoted father Louis Rickman recounts his wife Louise’s recent battle with sepsis following the birth of their first child, Rex, as well as the devastating loss of his brother to sepsis in 1999.

Together, Rob and Louis explore the profound physical and emotional toll of sepsis and the critical importance of community and mental health support in recovery.
This episode covers:
Rob’s incredible story of mental resilience after surviving the Boxing Day tsunami and sepsis
The lasting impact of Louise’s sepsis experience on Louis’ family unit
The mental health challenges faced by men and carers in the aftermath of trauma
The importance of timely recognition of sepsis symptoms, and men accessing healthcare
Practical advice for finding resilience, building support networks, and promoting recovery
Tune in to this special episode, released in honour of Men’s Mental Health Month during November 2024, to hear two extraordinary men reflect on their experiences with honesty and hope.
Of course, if you’re struggling with your mental health at any time, you can also access free nurse-led sepsis support services via our website: https://sepsistrust.org/get-support
You can also learn more about sepsis and UKST’s mission at sepsistrust.org
Find out about Rob’s work with Gandys at gandys.com and Preveo at thinkpreveo.com
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45min
October 28, 2024Meningitis messaging and rash recognition: Meningitis Research Foundation’s Caroline Hughes on effective public health communication
In episode 15 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer is joined by Caroline Hughes, Support Services Manager at the Meningitis Research Foundation, to discuss the links between sepsis and meningitis.
Released following World Meningitis Day on 5th October, this episode sheds light on the interconnectedness of these life-threatening conditions – including the impact on survivors and their families – along with the urgent need for awareness, and how timely intervention can save lives.
Caroline shares the vital work her organisation does to support individuals affected by meningitis and the global efforts to defeat it, including their involvement in the World Health Organisation’s initiative to defeat bacterial meningitis by 2030.
The episode covers:
Caroline’s insights into the global burden of meningitis
The relationship between sepsis and meningitis
The importance of public messaging to raise awareness of the conditions
The long term impact of these conditions on patients and their loved ones
World Meningitis Day 2024 and how its initiatives are driving awareness globally
Socioeconomic disparities in sepsis and meningitis outcomes, and the need for improved access to resources
How charities like ours are collaborating to promote clear and accessible messaging
Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on the importance of early recognition and the life-saving impact of collaboration in the fight against meningitis and sepsis.
You can learn more about sepsis and the UK Sepsis Trust’s mission at sepsistrust.org, and discover resources on meningitis at meningitis.org.
Other resources mentioned in the episode:
Read Lauren’s story: https://sepsistrust.org/sepsisvoices/lauren/
Listen to Tilly and Lucy’s story: https://sepsisvoices.podbean.com/e/beyond-the-numbers-illuminating-the-reality-of-paediatric-sepsis/
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33min
September 25, 2024Sepsis survival and advocacy: ‘Bionic’ former MP Craig Mackinlay on adapting to life with disability and driving for change
In episode 14 of Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron, UKST’s Founder & Chief Medical Officer Ron Daniels is joined by former Member of Parliament Craig Mackinlay, for an episode released during Sepsis Awareness Month.
Craig’s story is one of immense resilience. After surviving sepsis, he underwent quadruple amputation and has since turned his experience into advocacy for better sepsis care. Recently appointed to the House of Lords, Craig is now using his platform to push for crucial changes in healthcare that could save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis survivors.
The episode covers:
Craig’s personal experience with sepsis and the challenges of adapting to life with limb loss
Post Sepsis Syndrome (PSS) and how it affects survivors, including physical, cognitive, and psychological aftereffects
Craig’s decision to step down from his role as MP and his journey back to work after surviving sepsis
How Craig’s new position in the House of Lords allows him to advocate for sepsis awareness and improved care – including better access to prostheses
Socioeconomic disparities in sepsis outcomes and what needs to be done to address them
UKST’s three key asks of the government during Sepsis Awareness Month: measuring sepsis care performance, integrating rapid diagnostics, and raising public awareness of sepsis symptoms and support services
Tune in for an inspiring conversation and insights that shed light on the realities of life after sepsis and the urgent need for change.
You can learn more about sepsis and UK Sepsis Trust’s ‘Step Up’ campaign by visiting sepsistrust.org
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44min

FAQs about Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron:

How many episodes does Sepsis Voices with Dr Ron have?

The podcast currently has 24 episodes available.