September 2002: Press Release - Patient safety in hospitals to be enhanced
TORONTO, Sept. 4 /CNW/ - The safety of patients will soon be enhanced with two new, innovative partnerships, announced Health and Long-Term Care Minister Tony Clement. One is a partnership with the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) to develop a program to enhance patient safety in hospitals and the other is a partnership with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) to create the Safe Medication Support Service."We are fortunate in Ontario to have access to a universal health care system that is delivered by thousands of skilled healthcare professionals day after day," said Clement. "Today's announcement will help ensure that these healthcare professionals have more tools and supports in place to enhance the quality of care provided to Ontarians."
"Patient safety is a key issue for everyone connected with hospitals in Ontario," said David MacKinnon, OHA President and CEO. "For that reason, we welcome the government's commitment to work together to ensure the safest possible environment for patients."
Together with the OHA, the Ontario Government will be developing Canada's first ever province-wide Patient Safety Team made up of experts from a variety of healthcare professions. The team will support Ontario hospitals by providing assistance and tools to enhance patient safety.
Working with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, the Ontario Government will also put in place Canada's first Safe Medication Support Service. The service will provide advice and support both at a distance and on-site at Ontario's hospitals. Using the internet and telephone, ISMP Canada will alert hospitals to potential medication errors and will help to ensure that safe drug management processes are in place.
David U, President of ISMP Canada commented that, "Ontario is now the first Canadian jurisdiction to put in place this kind of specialized support service for hospitals."
The Eves government is committed to enhancing patient safety as one of the key elements in providing quality health care services for all Ontarians.
This news release is available on our website at: http://www.gov.on.ca/health/
Version française disponible.
- ISMP Canada will be working closely with the key professional organizations to make the Safe Medication Support Service a success. These organizations include the Ontario Medical Association, the Registered Nurse Association of Ontario, the Ontario Pharmacists Association, and the Ontario Branch of the Canadian Association of Hospital Pharmacists. More details on the programs will be made available.
