Safer Patient Care

   

PDF printable version of Safer Patient Care media release (PDF 22 KB)

15 August 2007

A proposed new model that would, for the first time, require services in all settings of health care in Australia to meet mandatory safety standards, while encouraging continuing quality improvement has been released for consultation by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

The aim of the model is to fill the gaps in accreditation of services while simplifying processes and reducing overlaps. The model also pioneers a new national approach to using information on safety that is collected as part of the assessment processes.

“This will ensure that patients can have certainty that basic safety is assured within all settings wherever health services are delivered,” Commission Deputy Chief Executive Mr Bill Lawrence said.

“Whether you receive health care in Broome, Broken Hill or Brisbane you should be sure of getting basically safe care. This includes care in all public and private hospitals, public and private clinic settings and the rooms of registered health professionals.

“Under the current system not all health services are accredited and there is both fragmentation and duplication in accreditation practices. This creates uncertainty and confusion for consumers and regulators alike.”

Information provided in the first round of consultation has been released along with the proposed new model of accreditation in health care. A second round of stakeholder consultation on the model has started and will continue during the second half of the year.

“We recognised that the current system has evolved over the past 30 years through the efforts of many, and is ready now for a concerted approach to patient safety”, Mr Lawrence said.

Reports can be obtained on-line at www.safetyandquality.gov.au

Contact: Professor Margaret Banks
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
02 9263 3633