As many as 180,000 deaths occur in the United States each year due to errors in medical care. Many of these errors could have been prevented. St. Francis Hospital is developing new and better ways to improve patient safety in our organization.
Patient safety refers to anything that might impact the well-being of a patient. Patient safety issues include but are not limited to:
- Hazards that could lead to falls
- Dangerous use of materials, equipment, supplies or waste
- Fire hazards
- Security issues
- Medication events
A common misconception about patient safety is that it's just a reminder to people to be more careful. But, in fact, health care workers are some of the most careful people on earth. Improving patient safety is about changing the culture in health care. It is about examining our systems from beginning to end to reduce mistakes.
Improvement in patient safety does not occur unless there is a organization-wide commitment and a clearly defined and ongoing effort by leaders, physicians and co-workers. St. Francis has made this commitment.
St. Francis is commited to an environment in which associates and physcians are encouraged to build and maintain an environment of safety. We are establishing a corrective, blame-free environment that prompts our associates to:
- Focus on safety issues
- Identify and report all events, "near misses," close calls or hazardous conditions
- Help develop and implement performance improvement processes throughout the organization
- Monitor outcomes and results and continuously seek new ways to improve
We are creating an environment where reporting adverse events and patient safety issues are natural, without fear of retribution or punishment. The success of this effort depends on each associate's willingness to participate, to contribute and to be open to sharing and receiving information about safety events and close calls. St. Francis expects and requires that all associates take part in building an environment of safety.
To report patient safety issues, call 706-596-SAFE (7233).
