No one should be harmed in healthcare, and yet globally 4 in 10 patients suffer avoidable harm while receiving care. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unprecedented pressure on health systems and health workers. An alarming number of health workers have also been harmed while responding to COVID-19 pandemic. Safety of health workers has a significant impact on safety of patients. This year, the theme of the day is Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety – highlighting the safety of health workers as a prerequisite for safe patient care.
One of the objectives of International Patient Safety Day commemorated on the 17th of September for healthcare professionals, is to improve knowledge, skills, and competencies for safety in healthcare. An education and awareness program delivering the importance of practising safety and hygiene measures was organised by Durdans Hospital for all employees involved in patient care for this purpose. Some areas highlighted were the importance of correct hand-washing, wearing appropriate gloves, masks, boots, overalls, etc and preventing harm and injury of healthcare workers. Additionally, the importance of health and well-being of hospital staff was also discussed. This was followed by a moment of healthcare worker appreciation in recognition of their hard work in keeping the hospital safe. The event was supplemented by an e-poster campaign to raise public and general staff awareness for the cause.
As Sri Lanka’s first JCI gold standard hospital, Durdans remains committed to following the highest international standards in healthcare to guarantee quality and safety for patrons. As staff empowerment, education and welfare are essential to this cause, regular staff training sessions are organised throughout the year to ensure a safe hospital environment and to uplift patient care.
