SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --
In an effort to raise
awareness and encourage the engagement of patients, families, health care
providers, and the public, on Feb. 29, the 20th Medical Group announced
its participation in the United for Patient Safety campaign being led by the National Patient Safety Foundation.
The United for Patient Safety campaign is intended to
spark dialogue, promote action to improve the safety of the health care system
for patients and the workforce, and instill the message that, “Every day is
patient safety day.”
During Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 13-19, the NPSF
encourages health care organizations around the world to take part by creating
awareness in their community and among their staff.
Citing the recent NPSF report, “Free from Harm:
Accelerating Patient Safety Improvement Fifteen Years after To Err Is Human,” Dr. Tejal K. Gandhi, president and chief executive
officer of the NPSF, said, “We have seen some improvement in patient safety,
but 1 in 10 patients still experience a hospital-acquired complication, and
many more occur in outpatient settings, where most care is provided, so there
is still much work to be done.”
To observe the week, the 20th MDG has planned activities
to educate staff and engage patients as well as promote educational outreach to
the broader community, including the following:
· March 14 at 8 a.m.
– Opening ceremony in the main pharmacy waiting area
· March 14-18 –
Patient safety table in the main pharmacy waiting area throughout the week from
7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
· March 18
from 2-3 p.m. – Free popcorn mixer
In addition, patients, families, and consumers are
encouraged to take part in the campaign by pledging to be active members of
their health care teams by participating in care decisions and asking
questions.
“I am proud of the work that our staff does every day to
make the 20th MDG a
leading health care provider in our community,” said Lt. Col. Heather Perez, 20th
MDG chief nurse. “Patient Safety Awareness Week is a time to recognize the work
that has been done, reflect, educate and engage. Everyone, from providers to
patients and family members, plays a role in ensuring safe care. By uniting
together and sharing that common goal, we can make a difference in patient
safety.”
For more information
about the campaign, visit UnitedinPatientSafety.org.