October 8-13, 2007
Manitoba Launch of Week in Brandon on October 5, 2007

Group Shot L to R
Bev Cummins, Brandon RHA Vice President of Acute Care Services
Phil Hassen, Canadian Patient Safety Institute CEO
Kim Poppel, Manitoba Institute For Patient Safety’s Patient Advisory Committee Chair
Kristi Chorney, Brandon RHA Quality and Risk Manager

Laurie Thompson, Manitoba Instititute For Patient Safety Executive Director,

Patients, family, providers, and community members joined in the Manitoba launch of Canadian Patient Safety Week at the Brandon Regional Health Centre, Brandon, Manitoba, October 5, 2007. The launch was organized by the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety in cooperation with the Brandon Regional Health Authority. Joining the launch was Mr. Phil Hassen, CEO of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, who established Canadian Patient Safety Week in 2005. Brandon Regional Health Authority and the Brandon Regional Health Centre mounted an impressive room full of patient safety displays that invited participation and discussion from the public throughout Canadian Patient Safety Week.

Members of the the MIPS Patient Advisory Committee in attendance were introduced by Mrs Kim Poppel, Chair of the Committee and Board Member of MIPS. Attendees enjoyed hearing about the importance of communication in health care interactions.

Click here to view Canadian Patient Safety Week - Manitoba Press Release.

Audio presentation of Canadian Patient Safety Week Launch in Brandon Manitoba, October 5, 2007.

	Phil Hassen CEO, Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI)Click here to hear his presentation
	Kim Poppel Board Member, Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety (MIPS) Click here to hear her presentation
	Bev Cummins VP Acute Care Programs, Brandon Regional Health Authority Click here to hear her presentation

About Canadian Patient Safety Week and How you can get involved!
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute launched Canadian Patient Safety Week as a national annual campaign in 2005 as part of its mandate to build and advance a safer health system for Canadians. The goal of this October 8 – 13th celebration is to raise awareness of patient safety issues, related programs and projects happening across Canada—at national, regional and local/organizational levels.
The 2007 Canadian Patient Safety Week theme is Patient Safety: Be Involved. Ask. Talk. Listen. Its intent is to focus on the strong commitment Canadian healthcare providers have made to improving patient safety and the development of a culture of patient safety within their organizations.

It’s Safe To Ask is a great example of a Manitoba initiative that encourages open dialog and discussion between health care providers and patients. Launched in January 2007 by the Manitoba Institute for Patient Safety (MIPS), it is broadly used across Manitoba and has been recognized nationally for its innovation and leadership in promoting communication about patients’ health concerns.
It’s Safe To Ask encourages patients and health care providers to discuss 3 key questions:

• What is my health problem?
• What do I need to do?
• Why do I need to do this?

Knowledge is critical to quality health and improved health outcomes. A well informed patient asks questions, triesto understand, and ensures adequate response and action by themselves, their families and their health care practitioners.

Tips for patients and families for your next meeting with your health care provider!

1. Check ideas for Patients and Families and HealthCare Organizations and Providers (updated Aug 31, 2007)

2. Use the “Ask, Talk, Listen for Patients and Families” and “Patient Tips”, resources available on line.

Health Care Providers and Organizations!

1. Show your support for It’s Safe To Ask by displaying posters, providing brochures and assisting patients and families by addressing their questions in a way in which they understand. These resources (in 15 languages) and further information are at www.safetoask.ca.

2. Get Tips for ongoing awareness of patient safety at Healthcare Organizations and Providers (updated Aug 31, 2007)