Programs

Patient Safety Support Service

While Ontario hospitals have always made patient safety a top priority, the OHA is helping to extend their commitment even further with the establishment of a province-wide Patient Safety Support Service (PSSS). In March 2004, The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced Canada’s first province-wide Patient Safety Support Service to improve the safety and quality of health care for Ontarians. The Ontario Hospital Association managed the two-year project, which will provide Ontario hospitals with tools, education, information and training to strengthen patient safety and support an accountable and safe healthcare system.

The Patient Safety Support Service is now managed and funded by the OHA and will continue to provide Ontario hospitals with information, tools, and training to promote effective strategies that enhance patient safety. The Patient Safety Support Service has established a Patient Safety Advisory Group consisting of leaders in the field of patient safety. The Patient Safety Leadership Council will Tsupport the patient safety movement and initiatives within Canada and Ontario. Specifically, the Council will guide, support and promote the initiatives of the Patient Safety Support Service and support Ontario Hospitals in their on-going efforts to enhance patient and systems safety.

The Patient Safety Support service will also develop collaborative relationships with other leaders in the field, including the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Canada and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute.

A committee dedicated to addressing issues relating to medical devices has also been established as part of the Patient Safety Support Service. This committee – the Medical Devices Committee – is jointly chaired by the OHA and MOHLTC, and consists of leading experts and regulators including Health Canada. This group is tasked with developing and promoting strategies for the safe, effective, and efficient utilization of medical devices in Ontario hospitals.


Mission Statement
The province-wide patient safety project will implement innovative programs to improve patient safety and raise awareness of patient safety issues across the province of Ontario.

Through research, collaboration and consultation, the Patient Safety Support Service will provide Ontario hospitals with innovative programs, resources and tools.

Project Objective:
The purpose and mandate of the Patient Safety Support Service is to:

  • Raise awareness among management and front line staff about patient safety
  • Foster the development of local expertise in patient safety
  • Promote effective strategies that enhance patient safety
  • Provide leadership and be a resource to hospitals in their efforts to effect system change for improved patient safety, providing assistance that is both focused and practical


Through the active involvement of the Patient Safety Leadership Council, the Patient Safety Support Service will consult with hospitals, accrediting bodies, national and international patient safety organizations, government representatives, and affiliated members.

Contact Information
Sudha Kutty, Director, Patient Safety & Clinical Best Practice
(416) 205-1415
skutty@oha.com

Carrie Haines, Consultant, Patient Safety & Clinical Best Practice
(416) 205-1458
chaines@oha.com

Cyrelle Muskat, Consultant, Patient Safety & Clinical Best Practice
(416) 205-1316
cmuskat@oha.com

Karen Sequeira, Consultant, Patient Safety & Clinical Best Practice
(416) 205-1328
ksequeira@oha.com

Andreanna Grabham, Administrative Assistant
(416)-205-1453
agrabham@oha.com