Launch of Canadian Patient Safety Week-October 20_2006
For the Attention of Hospital CEOs, Chiefs of Staff, Chief Nursing Executives, Risk Managers, Directors of Patient Safety/Quality,
OHA Board of Directors, and CACN Members
From Hilary Short, President and Chief Executive Officer
Launch of Canadian Patient Safety Week
Today marks the launch of the second annual Canadian Patient Safety Week (CPSW), an initiative of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute.
Canadian Patient Safety Week, running from October 20 to October 27, celebrates local and regional initiatives to improve patient safety. Events will highlight current patient safety initiatives and activities and will focus on this year’s theme of hand hygiene as a proven way to reduce the spread of infections in health care settings.
CPSW aims to raise awareness of the importance of patient safety across Canada and to initiate discussions at all levels of the health care system about how to further improve patient safety.
Hospitals may wish to participate in this week by highlighting their:
• Patient safety initiatives
• Hand hygiene campaigns
• Involvement in the “Your Health Care – Be Involved” campaign (patient safety tips)
• Contribution to Safer Healthcare Now!
The Canadian government’s pledge to participate in the World Health Organization Global Patient Safety Challenge also coincides with the official launch of CPSW and demonstrates a country wide commitment to patient safety.
If you have any questions about this Bulletin, the “Your Health Care – Be Involved” campaign or the patient safety initiatives, please contact Sarena Weil, at sweil@oha.com or 416-205-1439.
For more information on Canadian Patient Safety Week 2006, its theme of hand hygiene and how you can participate, please visit www.patientsafetyweek.ca