Canadian Patient Safety Institute commends "Vanessa's Law"

'to improve the reporting of adverse reactions by healthcare institutions.'

EDMONTON, Dec. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Health Canada has proposed new rules that will strengthen the regulation of therapeutic products and improve the reporting of adverse reactions by healthcare institutions.  The law named after Vanessa Young, daughter of the Member of Parliament from Oakville will have an impact on patient safety.

The Act will increase patient safety in Canada by improving Health Canada's ability to collect safety information on marketed therapeutic products.  The Act will also allow Health Canada to take quick and appropriate action when a serious health risk is identified, such as ordering a product recall or requiring a label change to make new safety information available to patients and consumers.

Together, these changes will lead to improved patient safety and better health outcomes for Canadians, including vulnerable populations such as children, seniors, and pregnant or nursing women.

"Until recently, limited information has been available on adverse drug alerts nationally" says Hugh MacLeod, CEO, Canadian Patient Safety Institute. "Vanessa's Law will change that and is increasingly recognized as having the potential to improve performance of health-care professionals, reduce patient safety incidents and therefore improve patient safety."

Historically, when an incident occurs in one jurisdiction, other jurisdictions are not made aware of the incident, or of the learning that results from it. That is why it is important to learn from the patient voice and experience.

"There is a tremendous need for the patient voice and patient involvement," says Barb Farlow, member of Patients for Patient Safety Canada. "When we get involved we encourage and inspire others to become involved and our collective involvement will make a difference.  We need to work together to improve healthcare and make it safer."

About Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI)
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to raise awareness and facilitate implementation of ideas and best practices to achieve a transformation in patient safety.  Funded by Health Canada, CPSI reflects the desire to close the gap between the healthcare we have and the healthcare we deserve. www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Patient Safety Institute

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cecilia Bloxom
Director of Communications
Canadian Patient Safety Institute 
Phone [phone]