Zero harm

We all need to be concerned about safety all of the time. We also need to be constantly aware of the potential for harm and learn from our experiences.

It is our responsibility to ensure the safety of all our patients, families and staff. Zero harm is achievable if we want it.

Several safety projects are underway at the hospital aimed at improving the safety of patients:

• Medicines management – reduce errors in medicines in the areas of prescribing, administration and medicines reconciliation.
• Infection prevention and control – preventing central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection; reducing avoidable surgical site infection and to minimise the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia.
• Executive patient safety Walkround – weekly visits to clinical areas by senior management and safety teams.
• Child early warning scores (CEWS) – recognising and responding to the deteriorating child.

Executive patient safety Walkround – why do we do it?

• To increase the awareness of safety issues
• To make safety a priority for senior leaders
• To educate staff about patient safety concepts
• To obtain and act on information that identifies areas for improvement.
• To build communication and relationships with frontline staff