Media Advisory
Improving the Quality of Drug Management of Saskatchewan Seniors
Regina, Sask. (December 8, 2004) - The SRNA commends the Health Quality Council (HQC) for the work that resulted in the report, Improving the Quality of Drug Management of Saskatchewan Seniors in Long-Term Care released today. The report examines the quality of drug management in Saskatchewan nursing homes.
`We are encouraged by the report and the efforts of the HQC to address this critical patient safety issue,' said SRNA Executive Director Donna Brunskill, RN. `Research has consistently shown that seniors are often prescribed medications that put them at high risk for adverse side effects. There is room for improvement in how we manage drug treatment of our seniors and this new report offers practical recommendations on safe and effective solutions.'
`Registered nurses are concerned about patient safety and work collaboratively with other health care professionals in providing a comprehensive approach that ensures that the system is safe,' said SRNA President Candace Skrapek, RN. `A critical element of a safe health care system is adequate numbers of registered nurses and environments that support quality practice.'
`RNs have and will continue to play a leadership role in providing safe and competent care for the people of Saskatchewan,' Brunskill said. `This research provides direction for positive action from the Saskatchewan health care team. Involving RNs in ensuring seniors get the safest most effective medications is essential. The SRNA will work with government, educational institutions, professional bodies, unions, health authorities, and the public to address the challenges before us.'
`The SRNA will work with groups of seniors to develop, implement and evaluate effective drug management strategies,' said Skrapek.
The SRNA is the professional voice of nursing in Saskatchewan representing the province's almost 9,000 registered nurses.
For more information, please contact:
Maureen Belanger
Communications Coordinator
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association
(306) 359-4243
Last Updated: May 4, 2008