Published on September 15, 2025
Owensboro Health's Sepsis Response Team: Standardizing Care Across the System
Owensboro Health recognizes September as Sepsis Awareness Month, but highlights the importance of sepsis awareness year-round.
Sepsis poses a critical challenge in patient care, and Owensboro Health’s Sepsis Committee is committed to addressing this issue by continually improving processes to achieve better patient outcomes.
To further enhance this initiative, a dedicated team of sepsis specialists - Sepsis Response Team - is available to support clinical teams at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital (OHRH) in managing patients at risk of developing sepsis. The team's work is in the early stages, continues to evolve and is progressing well.
“I like to think of us as the superheroes that show up having your back," said Wes Pate, Sepsis Clinical Program Specialist.
Pulmonologist Dr. Brad Brasher has been instrumental in leading the Sepsis Response Team initiative, with strong support from Wes Pate, the Sepsis Clinical Program Specialist, other mid-level providers and members of the team.
“The Sepsis Response Team is closing the gap between early warning systems and bedside patient assessments,” said Dr. Brasher.
Since implementation, several patients have been evaluated by their clinical care teams, which has helped prevent serious complications associated with septic shock.
“The presence of a Sepsis Response Team can enhance the recognition of sepsis, which is often difficult to diagnose and detect early. This team's efforts have the potential to improve mortality rates, shorten hospital stays, reduce transfers to the ICU and decrease readmission rates,” said Brasher.
The achievements of the Sepsis Response Team stem from various resources throughout the system, made possible by collective effort.
At Owensboro Health, we are not just a healthcare system, we are a committed partner in our patients' journey toward better health. Our dedication to expert care, community well-being and continuous improvement distinguishes us as leaders in the region.
About Owensboro Health
Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 350 providers at more than 30 locations; four outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a weight management program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.
On average each year, we have more than 19,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 33,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 150 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 90,000 Emergency Department visits and more than 1.25 million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.