Minister and HSE support new safety framework

This new Framework is intended to cover all publicly funded health and social care services provided in Ireland.

“This Framework takes a person centred approach to the management of incidents when they arise and puts the patient, the client and indeed the staff member at the heart of the process,” said Minister for Health Simon Harris.

“It is an example of taking the learning from incidents and using it to improve practice to provide safer care.

“I am especially impressed with the patient stories, which give the human perspective and helps us truly understand the impact of our actions on those who can find themselves overwhelmed.

“The development of a safety culture requires strong and consistent leadership support for safety at all levels of the service. The reality of this will be assessed by all those affected, in the way the service responds to them in the aftermath of an incident.”

The launch of the new Framework was also supported by HSE Director General Mr Tony O’Brien.

“Incidents when they occur can cause harm,” said Mr O’Brien today.

“These incidents range from the need for additional medical treatment or an extended hospital stay, to more significant harm, up to and including death. Whereas those directly affected bear the primary burden of this harm, staff whose primary motivation is to assist and support patients and users of our services, can also be significantly impacted in these situations.”

Thanking those involved in the development of the Framework, Mr O’Brien said he wanted to “take the opportunity to thank the large number of staff across the health service and outside of it who contributed on every level. In particular, I would like to extend my appreciation to the patients and staff who shared their personal stories.”