The Patient Safety Group (PSG) of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) are delighted to lend our enthusiastic support to the sixth World Patient Safety Day (WPSD). This event, established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019, takes place on 17 September every year. It helps to raise global awareness amongst all stakeholders about key Patient Safety issues and foster collaboration between patients, health care workers, health care leaders and policy makers to improve patient safety. Each year a new theme is selected to highlight a priority patient safety area for action.
The theme set by the WHO for this year’s WPSD is “Improving diagnosis for patient safety”, recognising the vital importance of correct and timely diagnosis in ensuring patient safety and improving health outcomes.
Effective leadership in the operating room is vital for ensuring smooth operations and optimal patient outcomes. Consider a scenario where a senior surgeon effectively delegates tasks, sets clear expectations, and supports the team through a complex procedure. This leadership not only boosts team morale but also ensures that all team members are aware of their roles, leading to a more coordinated and efficient operation. The ability to remain composed under pressure and make decisive actions can significantly reduce the likelihood of errors, contributing to better patient safety.