OHA Sponsored Conference Aims to Advance Patient Safety Initiatives in Ontario Hospitals
Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
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Tuesday, May 3, 2005
Toronto - Patient safety experts from across the province gathered together yesterday at an important Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) conference aiming to advance patient safety initiatives in hospitals through promoting awareness and sharing best practices.
"Patient safety continues to be a top priority for the OHA," said Hilary Short, President and CEO of the OHA. "The conference is a significant step forward in our ongoing effort to help boost awareness of patient safety, and strengthen patient safety initiatives within Ontario’s hospitals."
The OHA conference, entitled "Patient Safety: Beyond the Rhetoric", featured a number of thought-provoking presentations and speakers including Dr. G. Ross Baker, author of last year’s Canadian Adverse Events Study.
Ontario hospitals have already taken action to improve patient safety by bringing together experts to help develop and implement new patient safety measures as part of a "Patient Safety Support Service". Managed by the OHA and funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Canada’s first province-wide Patient Safety Support Service will provide Ontario hospitals with information, tools and training to promote effective strategies that enhance patient safety.
As part of this initiative, the OHA Patient Safety Support Service will be launching a "Patient Safety Tips" campaign in the fall of 2005. These five "common-sense tips" have been developed to actively engage patients in their own healthcare.
"The Tips will provide patients with practical ideas on how they can become more involved in their own care experience," added Ms. Short. "This will become an important resource for every Ontarian."
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For further information:
Cara Francis
OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1371