As we head into the summer months, we do so with an eye towards our October visit by Surveyors from Accreditation Canada.  Of note with the new survey process is the enhanced focus on patient safety.

As many will know, the HPHA recently participated in a Patient Safety Culture Survey. I shared preliminary results during our most recent Staff Forums, and highlighted that we would be increasing our emphasis in this important area over the coming months.  We have introduced Patient Safety Rounds that will focus on topics of specific interest to front line staff.  We are also in the process of implementing a Falls Prevention Program, modeled after the RNAO Best Practice Guideline, and will be increasing our focus on Hand Hygiene in the months ahead.

These, and other initiatives, will be complemented by an increase in the public reporting of safety indicators. C. difficile, MRSA and VRE numbers will all soon be publicly reportable, as will our Hospital Standardized Mortality Ratio.

To all of you directly involved in the initiatives outlined above, I want to extend a sincere thank you for your ongoing commitment to ensuring we have the safest environment possible for our patients, staff and visitors. To staff indirectly involved, we will all have a responsibility to continue to educate ourselves in this very important area.

Thank you.

Andrew