At the Innovating Patient Safety Summit 2019, held on 7 May in London, our Chief Executive, Helen Hughes, shared some of the proposals from our soon-to-be published A Blueprint for Action.
In this new paper, we propose actions aimed at the major causes of unsafe care. These are: sharing learning, creating a model of leadership, professionalising patient safety, engaging patients, having better date and insight, and having a ‘just culture’. Underpinning all of these is a recognition that patient safety is part of the purpose of our care organisations.
"It was a real pleasure to meet so many delegates and speakers, and hear their experiences of patient safety," says Helen. "Our proposals do seem to resonate."
To learn more about the actions we're proposing, you can view her full presentation.
Some of Helen's biggest takeaways from the event include fascinating insights into the challenges of the 'Freedom to Speak Up Guardian' role, something that Helen will be engaging with at their network meeting next month. Conference delegates heard about patients' frustration due to a lack of meaningful engagement in patient safety. Andrea Jenkyns, Conference Chair and Chair of the APPG on Patient Safety, responded swiftly to calls for more discussion with the regulators by setting up a separate session. The discussion was animated, open and constructive but there’s clearly more that needs to be done to welcome and actively engage patients as partners.
Helen also enjoyed discussions on accountability and blame, led by Tom Kark QC, who presented key recommendations and findings on the scope, operation and purpose of the 'fit and proper person’ test. The NHS Innovation Accelerator and Patient Safety session was informed by a presentation from three innovators, and was a fascinating insight into brilliant new ways of improving patient safety and care, as well as the significant challenges in sharing knowledge and getting widespread implementation.
Look out for A Blueprint for Action, which we are soon to publish.