Commemoration of World Patient Safety Day: Citizens urged to ensure safer health practices

Citizens have been urged to deepen collaboration with health professionals, ensure safer health practices and involve themselves more in protecting the well-being of children from birth.

At a panel discussion to commemorate this year’s World Patient Safety Day in Accra, discussants said such measures would help reduce risks faced by newborns and also ensure safer outcomes in hospitals and homes.

The discussants included the Director of Pantang Hospital, Dr Yennusom Maalug; a Pharmacist, Dr Agnes Twumasi; an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Nurse Manager, Claudia Wireko-Brobbey, and the Head of Medical Services at FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital, Dr Francis Addai.

The rest were a Paediatrician at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ridge, Dr Charlyene Kilba, and the Medical Director of FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital, Dr Kwadwo Poku Yankey.

The event, which was organised by FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital in Accra last Wednesday, was on the theme: “Safe care for every newborn and every child”.

It was attended by healthcare providers, parents and caregivers. 

Involvement

Dr Addai called for the active involvement of parents in childcare from birth.

“Newborns are among the most vulnerable in our care, facing risks from the moment of birth through immunisation and even in critical care.

“Patient safety is not an event; it is a culture, a mindset, and a commitment we must nurture in every aspect of care,” he added.

On immunisation, Dr Kilba said parents must be alert but not alarmed.

She said reactions to immunisation should not discourage parents from continuing with the process.

“Expect mild side effects like redness at the injection site, fussiness or a mild temperature. These can be managed at home with paracetamol.

“Side effects are always addressed, and immunisation must continue because it protects not just your child, but the community,” she added. 

Caution

From the pharmaceutical perspective, Dr Twumasi cautioned parents against the indiscriminate use of supplements.

“If you give your child iron when he or she does not need it, you risk iron overload, and that is a whole different problem,” she said.

Dr Twumasi said most children receive sufficient nutrients from a balanced diet, for which reason supplements should only be given when prescribed.

“Speak to your pharmacist or doctor; we are always available to guide you so you don’t end up causing more harm while trying to help,” she added.

Ms Wireko-Brobbey said that communication was a vital tool for safety and, therefore, encouraged parents to engage children in conversations about their feelings, experiences and well-being.

“Asking how they are doing, what annoyed them, or how they feel provides important insights. It helps you pick up signs early and also builds trust,” she said. 

Commitment

For his part, Dr Yankey said: “Safe care is not automatic; it requires deliberate action.

We must design clinical processes that anticipate and prevent errors, train our staff with the right skills, and build systems that continuously learn from mistakes so we do not repeat them.” 

On mental health, Dr Maalug of the Pantang Hospital said mental health was a foundation for patient safety.

He said that when caregivers were mentally stable, they were able to provide safe and attentive care for children.