Rouge Valley plans activities with emphasis on patient safety
Canadian Patient Safety Week Oct. 8 to 13
Monday September 17, 2007 -- Natalie Miller
Rouge Valley Health System is gearing up for an increased focus on patient safety by taking part in the Canadian Patient Safety Week Oct. 8 to 13.

The Canadian Patient Safety Institute’s Patient Safety Week is in its third year. This year’s theme is ‘Patient Safety: Be Involved. Ask. Talk. Listen.’

Shirley Atkinson, manager of quality and risk management for Rouge Valley Health System, which has sites in Ajax and Scarborough, Ontario, says the hospital is planning a number of activities for the week.

“We will be participating in Canadian Patient Safety Week the week of Oct. 8 at both of our sites,” Atkinson says.  

“The theme this year ‘Patient Safety: Be Involved. Ask. Talk. Listen.’ builds on a fundamental and key element of patient safety — communication between and among patients and caregivers,” she says.

“During that week, units will have an opportunity to showcase patient safety activities. Public affairs will send out patient safety communiqués via electronic newsletter and poster boards highlighting the principles of patient safety will be on display all week and our spirit day organizers will create some fun activities for staff.”   

The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is a national organization that works to provide national leadership in building and advancing a safer Canadian health system. By visiting www.patientsafetyweek.ca, hospitals and other healthcare providers can access information, toolkits and other material about patient safety week.

The CPSI says the site will be updated regularly to help healthcare providers take part in the week dedicated to patient safety in Canada.