Atlantic Health Quality & Patient Safety Learning Collaborative Unveiled

Charlottetown, May 11, 2011—The Atlantic Health Quality & Patient Safety Collaborative signals the beginning of a new era of cooperation and partnership among the Atlantic Provinces in their efforts to deliver safe care.

Comprised of representatives from each of the Atlantic Provinces, goal of the Atlantic Health Quality & Patient Safety Collaborative is to develop common strategies that will improve the safety of healthcare and bring recommendations back to their respective Health Ministries.

“The Canadian Patient Safety Institute believes every patient experience should be safe and I applaud the Atlantic Provinces for their efforts to align their priorities for the benefit of Atlantic patients,” says Hugh MacLeod, CEO of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute. “I look forward to monitoring the progress this collaborative has on safe care and know the Canadian health system can learn from this.”

The Atlantic Health Quality & Patient Safety Collaborative is the first trans-provincial collaborative of its kind in Canada and to have Provincial Health Ministries engaged in patient safety at this level is a tremendous accomplishment to the Canadian healthcare system.

“Patient safety is our number one priority in the PEI health system and we are committed to providing safe, high-quality care,” says Keith Dewar, Health PEI CEO. “I am very pleased to be part of this collaborative and to be partnering with, and learning from, our Atlantic colleagues to improve patient safety for Islanders and Atlantic Canadians.”

“A health system that puts quality and patient safety first is better managed, a better draw for healthcare providers, and will provide better care for Atlantic Canadians,” says Kevin McNamara, Nova Scotia’s Deputy Minister of Health and Wellness.

Along with the launch of the Collaborative, the Atlantic Health Quality and Patient Safety Learning Exchange is also being held in Charlottetown. This two-day event is an opportunity for healthcare providers and policy makers to come together for the purpose of learning about and sharing the latest efforts and activities related to patient safety and quality improvement.

About Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI)
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to raise awareness and facilitate implementation of ideas and best practices to achieve a transformation in patient safety. Funded by Health Canada, CPSI reflects the desire to close the gap between the healthcare we have and the healthcare we deserve. www.patientsafetyinstitute.ca