Raising Awareness: A Story of Sepsis Survivorship with Geoff Lance
In collaboration with the Sepsis Trust NZ, My Health Hub alongside the Mobile Health Group (MHG) recently hosted a free public webinar focused on recognising and responding to sepsis in everyday healthcare settings.
Any infection can lead to sepsis. It can develop rapidly and become life-threatening, making early recognition and action absolutely critical.
The webinar featured Dr Paul Huggan, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland, and founding trustee of the Sepsis Trust NZ. Joining him was guest speaker Geoff Lance, a farmer from Huntly and survivor of sepsis, whose story was both powerful and deeply moving.
As part of its Local Legends initiative, MHG recognised Geoff for his bravery in sharing his story and helping raise awareness across rural communities.
“Everything was very quick. I thought I had the flu, and then suddenly it was all on,” Geoff recalled. “I don’t remember day two of the sepsis beginning, it was a real blur. By the time I was able to, I texted my sister to let her know things were serious as I was in no state to be verbal. She came immediately.”
When his sister arrived, she knew something was seriously wrong.
“She took one look at me, my fingers were turning black and blue, and she called an ambulance,” Geoff shared. “When the ambulance arrived, they also took one look and immediately went into sepsis mode. From there I was rapidly transported to ICU, quite literally near dead. Family was contacted to come and say goodbye because staff didn’t expect me to survive.”
“Sepsis is fast, and it is incredibly severe,” he said.
Geoff’s experience came at a huge personal cost. Because of sepsis, his right leg was amputated.
“Much of my body went black,” he said. “I’m thankful not everything that was affected had to be removed.”
While he survived, Geoff’s life has changed drastically. His heart now functions at just 35%. He’s unable to work and is learning to walk again, all while managing ongoing medical appointments.
Despite everything, Geoff’s message is clear, awareness saves lives, especially in rural communities.
“When a farmer says they’re sick, they’re beyond sick,” he said. “The stigma of pushing through is real for rural New Zealanders, and if they say they need medical care, they mean it. It’s important to know the signs of sepsis especially for those living rurally. We’re far from hospitals, and emergency care takes longer to reach. I cannot express the importance of awareness enough for both communities and rural health professionals.”
My Health Hub remains committed to delivering accessible education for rural healthcare professionals and communities. Through collaboration with the Sepsis Trust NZ, MHG is proud to have shared Geoff Lance’s story one of survivorship, resilience, and the vital message that early recognition of sepsis can save lives.
The sepsis seminar is free to watch here through our My Health Website. For further information and education on Sepsis see here and sign up to the Sepsis NZ database.
Additionally, the Health Quality & Safety Commission have launched the Raise the Flag Sepsis Package. Developed in collaboration with Sepsis Trust NZ, clinical experts, system partners, and stakeholders. The package aims to improve the recognition and timely treatment of sepsis in hospitals across Aotearoa New Zealand. It is now available on the Health Quality & Safety Commission Te Tāhū Hauora website – www.hqsc.govt.nz/sepsis. Lastly, to help continue the research and fund the mahi of the Sepsis Trust, find out ways you and your team can fundraise www.stopsepsis.org.nz.