healthscotland.com

NHS Health Scotland and Health Protection Scotland in collaboration with a group of leading Meningitis charities and campaigners in Scotland, have begun the second year of their awareness-raising campaign to increase knowledge of the signs and symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia.

Although rare, the outcomes of contracting Meningitis and Septicaemia can be very severe, including permanent disability and death. Research shows that people are generally not aware of the signs and symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia or that prompt action can save lives.

All elements of the campaign reinforce

• the importance of being aware of the signs and symptoms of Meningitis and Septicaemia in yourself and others
• who to contact in an emergency or for further information
• that ‘it could happen to you’.

Phase One of the 2008/09 campaign, scheduled to run early October 2008, will build on the success of the student-focused campaign which ran in September 2007 and will be aimed directly at students.

The Don't Ignore the Signs leaflet and Don't Ignore the Signs poster were developed to increase awareness and signpost to further information.

Phase Two, scheduled to run early 2009, will be designed to reach a wider audience and to make everyone aware that contracting meningitis and septicaemia is not discriminatory, it can happen to anyone.

This will extend the 2008 Scotland-wide campaign that included an awareness-raising poster displayed in community pharmacies, universities, colleges and GP surgeries across Scotland; three hard-hitting radio adverts; and supporting press adverts that use real-life accounts of Meningitis and Septicaemia sufferers.

If you would like to know more about meningitis, further information available and support for people affected, please visit one of the charity partner sites or call their free 24 hour helplines:

Meningitis Association Scotland (external link) works to support families, promote awareness into meningitis and fund research and equipment for Doctors in Scotland
0141 427 6698

Meningitis Research Foundation (external link)
0808 800 3344

Meningitis Trust (external link) Provide professional services and support, including a free phone 24-hour nurse-led helpline, to everyone whose lives have been affected by meningitis for as long as they need it. 0800 028 18 28