WalkArounds raising awareness of patient safety

In February, we provided a brief highlight from the second round of Patient Safety Leadership WalkArounds. The third round commenced in mid-April with senior team leaders returning to all the units from the first set of WalkArounds to ensure that we have followed through and resolved key items.

NHS leaders are dedicated to demonstrating their commitment to safety and to learning about all safety issues. The WalkArounds have proven that there is an increased awareness of safety issues among all clinicians and staff, and that the NHS is committed to making safety a priority by spending dedicated time promoting a safety culture. The overall feedback from staff who have participated in the WalkArounds indicates that these rounds are effective in moving NHS toward a more positive culture regarding patient safety.
The themes for current rounds are Specimen Labelling and NHS Disclosure Policy & Procedure. Specific factors in clinical work environments were identified that contribute to specimen labelling errors. Our goal was also to reinforce staff awareness and education on our Disclosure Policy.

We would also like to take this opportunity to give you a quick update on the implementation of the new online Incident Reporting System. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Street and Greater Niagara General sites are live! St. Catharines General began training April 19.
If you are a multi-site staff member and have already been trained, please train-it-forward to your colleagues! We have received extremely positive feedback on the new system and look forward to full implementation.

Please do not hesitate to call or email Cindy Ko, Patient Safety Specialist, if you have any questions or concerns at ext. 44420, cindy.ko@niagarahealth.on.ca «