Personal stories of harm turn pain into advocacy

Stories illustrate the journey of courage for transparency

EDMONTON, Oct. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Dramatic, personal stories of patients being harmed in healthcare reveal that patient safety incidents are still occurring.  Ranging from medication errors, infection control and falls, these stories show how harm in healthcare affects countless lives, relationships and reputations. At the same time, the accounts reveal how honesty, transparency and compassion in the wake of these incidents can lead to improvements and healing.

"Dedicated healthcare providers across Canada work hard to ensure the care they deliver is safe," says Hugh MacLeod, CEO of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute. "There is always room for improvement and we must be ready and willing to acknowledge when harm is done and learn from these incidents so they aren't repeated."

Patients who were affected by harm, despite their pain, chose to get involved with the system and became passionate advocates for patient-centred care in Canada. It is these stories that will be profiled during Canadian Patient Safety Week.  This year's theme of "Good healthcare starts with a question." will be found on the walls of hospitals and long-term care facilities across the country.

The patient stories that will be profiled are particularly fitting for this year's theme, given that these remarkable people, at the time, felt powerless and voiceless as they witnessed their loved being harmed in healthcare.

Canadian Patient Safety Week 2012 is an annual campaign to focus attention on patient safety and to help advance patient-centred care.  Every year in Canada an estimated 9,000 to 24,000 patients die as a result of preventable harm in healthcare.

"We congratulate the healthcare providers across the country that are driven and inspired by safe care," says Hugh MacLeod. "This week's events again include Canada's Virtual Forum on Patient Safety and Quality Improvement. The free online forum is a virtual conference that will attract thousands of health professionals to watch inspirational videos, informative presentations and compelling panel discussions."

Every day, Canada's Virtual Forum will begin with a personal story from a Canadian whose loved one was harmed in care.

For more information please visit www.asklistentalk.ca.

About Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI)
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is an independent not-for-profit corporation, operating collaboratively with health professionals and organizations, regulatory bodies and governments to build and advance a safer healthcare system for Canadians. CPSI performs a coordinating and leadership role across health sectors and systems, promotes leading practices and raises awareness with stakeholders, patients and the general public about patient safety.   www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Patient Safety Institute

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Cecilia Bloxom, Director of Communications, [phone] [email protected]
Canadian Patient Safety Institute