Media Advisory
Patient Safety Fundamental to Nursing Care and Health Care
Regina, Sask (May 26, 2004) - Registered nurses have been consistently expressing concern about patient safety in our health care system. The recently released Canadian Adverse Events Study (Baker-Norton 2004) on patient safety, brings to light the disturbing adverse events in our Canadian health care system and reinforces the need to continue to address these issues.
"We applaud this landmark study", says Donna Brunskill, RN, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association. "Finally we have data that quantifies adverse events in Canada. Immediate action is necessary to address recommendations outlined in the report."
The SRNA supports the report's recommendations which will be key to improving the safety of patients. "Nurses at all levels, are in an ideal position to participate in the implementation of the recommendations," says Fay Puckett, RN, SRNA President-Elect. "Nurses have long reported that the number of registered nurses is inadequate to provide safe patient care. Decisions about appropriate staffing levels must be based on sound evidence. Creating quality practice environments fosters safe patient care."
"We all share the responsibility for patient safety - government, employers, administrators, professionals and the community," says Puckett. "We must move forward and address the system factors which fuel adverse events and errors."
A key challenge in the system analysis will be to ensure adequate numbers of registered nurses are available 24/7, to provide quality care.
The SRNA will work with all stakeholders to implement solutions to enhance patient safety.
The SRNA, founded in 1917 is the professional regulatory body for the province's 9,000 registered nurses. The SRNA's mission is competent, caring nursing for the people of Saskatchewan.
For more information, contact:
Cheryl Olson
Policy Administrative Assistant
Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association
Phone 359-4228
Last Updated: May 4, 2008