Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety recognizes a good catch
Brandon Regional Health Authority wins Leading us to Excellence Award
Friday February 12, 2010 -- Natalie Hamilton
The Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety (MIPS) is saluting Brandon Regional Health Authority for its proactive measures that are creating a safer environment for patients and staff.

The biomedical engineering services team received the 2009 Leading Us to Excellence Award for implementing regular patient safety walkabouts to support clinicians in the proper use of high-tech medical equipment.

The technologists have identified and averted potential patient safety problems since implementing the program, the Brandon Regional Health Authority reports.

MIPS put out the call to all healthcare providers in the province late in 2009 to share examples of "good catches" that led to improved patient safety practices.

Kristine Hannah, regional program director of quality improvement and risk management for Central Region, says there's a lot of energy in healthcare spent on exploring what went wrong after the fact and the award provides the opportunity to recognize preventative measures.

"They took a very proactive stance," says Hannah about Brandon Regional Health Authority.

"There were achievements that resulted in actual outcomes to improve patient safety."

While Gord McNamee, manager of the biomedical engineering services department, introduced the regular safety rounds, he stresses it is a team effort that has made the initiative a success. And it`s the team that is sharing the pleasure of being recognized by MIPS.

"The technologists deserve full credit," says McNamee, noting they are on the floor identifying potential patient safety hazards and educating clinicians.

"I was quite overwhelmed (about receiving the award). I really wanted to share this information with other people so I was really flattered. I thought we could help achieve some improvements in patient safety."

Since implementing the biomedical rounds, Brandon Regional Health Authority has experienced many tangible outcomes.

Read more about what the team is doing and how its work is creating a culture of safety in an upcoming story.

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