Today, 17 September 2019, marks the first ever World Patient Safety Day, aimed at raising global awareness about patient safety and encouraging global solidarity and action.
The establishment of this global day was endorsed by the 72nd World Health Assembly in May of this year and it will be observed every year on 17 September.
Did you know?
4 out of 10 patients are harmed in the primary and ambulatory settings and up to 80% of harm in these settings can be avoided.
Patient safety awareness
Patient safety is the avoidance of unintended or unexpected harm to people during the provision of health care. It is a discipline that began in light of the evolving complexity in health care systems across the world and the resulting rise of patient harm in health care settings. The aim is to prevent and reduce risks, errors and harm that occur during the provision of healthcare and a cornerstone of this is continuous improvement based on learning from errors and adverse events.
In recognition of the fact that patient safety is a global health priority, the World Health Assembly is adopting a resolution on patient safety which included the endorsement of a World Patient Safety Day.
The slogan for World Patient Safety Day 2019 is…Speak up for patient safety!
As part of the campaign and global day, countries across the world are encouraged to develop national and local campaigns based on the global campaign.
To mark the day in the UK, there are several events taking place and numerous NHS Trusts are getting involved to raise awareness.
No one should be harmed in health care and yet, every day, thousands of patients suffer avoidable harm while receiving care. If you or a loved one are a patient, be actively involved in your own care. Provide accurate information about your medical history and be sure to communicate openly with your health care team. Ask questions to be aware about your health condition and treatment. Speak up for the safety of your care! Speak up for patient safety!
The fact is that medical negligence as a result of avoidable harm while receiving care continues to occur. Statistics released by NHS Resolution show that there continues to be significant numbers of claims in this regard. In 2018/19 there were 10,678 reported claims.
It is therefore vital that more is done to raise awareness and also to attempt to make improvements and the first World Patient Safety Day is a positive and welcome step to ensure that patient safety remains at the very top of the agenda.
How can Nelsons help?
Danielle Young is an Associate in our Medical Negligence team.
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, then please get in touch with Danielle or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.