Medical group promotes patient safety awareness Published March 1, 2010 By 2nd Lt. Tony Richardson 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- To strengthen collaboration between patients, families, and their healthcare providers, and to improve patient safety, the 20th Medical Group is joining other healthcare organizations in celebration of Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 7 to 13. This annual event is sponsored by the National Patient Safety Foundation. This year's theme is, "Let's Talk! Healthy conversations for safer healthcare." The 20th MDG, a member of the NPSF's "Stand Up for Patient Safety" program, will bring together staff, patients and the community to emphasize the critical need for partnership and participation in the drive for a safer healthcare system. Med Group staff will offer programs highlighting new methods for improving the information exchange that occurs during patient encounters with providers. The group's mission is to, "prepare and maintain medically ready forces and provide optimal healthcare." According to MDG leaders, their focus areas are to: promote wellness, mitigate disease, improve quality of life, protect resources and continually modernize and adapt. Colonel Lane Rogers, 20th Medical Group commander, explained, "Clear and open communication between patient and provider is at the very core of safe patient care, and is a vital component in meeting the responsibilities of our mission. We are committed to keeping patients safe during their journey through our healthcare system and we diligently focus on safe, quality healthcare for the active-duty members and families we serve."