Helping Hospitals to Advance Patient Safety Aim of New OHA Toolkit
Ontario Hospital Association
200 Front Street West, Suite 2800
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3L1
Tel: (416) 205-1345 Fax: (416) 205-1360
Visit our Web Site: http://www.oha.com
Friday, October 8, 2004
Toronto – The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) is taking steps to advance provincial patient safety initiatives by releasing a Toolkit that will help hospitals and other health care organizations interpret and apply the Quality of Care Information Protection Act (QCIPA), which will come into effect on November 1, 2004.
"Patient safety has always been a top priority of the OHA," said Hilary Short, President and CEO of the OHA. "With the development of this Toolkit, we are ensuring that our hospitals have the resources they need to successfully implement the new legislation in their organization."
The QCIPA will advance patient safety in Ontario by enabling hospitals and other health care organizations to investigate and address adverse events and near misses. It supports open discussions about adverse events and near misses by creating an environment where hospital staff can disclose quality of care information to a designated committee without fear of retribution or punishment.
Developed by the OHA's Patient Safety Support Service and funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC), the QCIPA Toolkit will serve to help hospitals and other health care organizations apply QCIPA's key legislative requirements and foster the development of a culture of safety within Ontario's health care system.
"QCIPA provides the framework to encourage health professionals to share information and hold honest discussions about the safety of patients," said Short. "We hope that this Toolkit will be of assistance to hospitals as they continue to further their patient safety priorities."
The QCIPA Toolkit can be downloaded from OHA's web site at www.oha.com, or ordered through OHA's Publications line at 416-205-1350. OHA's Patient Safety Support Service will also be hosting educational workshops on the new legislation in mid-October.
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For further information:
OHA Public Affairs
416-205-1371