NHS Somerset and Healthwatch Somerset are shining a spotlight on patient and family engagement for safer care across Somerset for World Patient Safety Day on 17 September.
In June 2023, NHS Somerset appointed two Patient Safety Partners (PSPs) to support Somerset’s journey to improve the way patients are involved in health and care to help keep others safe. The PSPs, who have a wealth of experience are hosted by Healthwatch Somerset.
The PSP’s will;
- have oversight of all patient and public feedback gathered by Healthwatch Somerset and use this to gain insight and report on issues relating to patient safety.
- become active members of NHS Somerset’s safety and quality committees to ensure the voice of the patient is heard
- be involved in patient safety improvement projects within Somerset
To find out more about the role of PSPs, visit: NHS England » Framework for involving patients in patient safety.”
Emma Savage, NHS Somerset Deputy Director of Quality and Improvement says “Patient and family engagement is one of NHS Somerset’s priorities in developing safer health and care systems in Somerset. Safe care depends on the full involvement of patients and families as users of health and care services at every level and requires a shift from care designed for patients to care designed with patients.
“We are pleased to be able to fund two Patient Safety Partner roles to help ensure the voices of patients in Somerset are heard”.
You can share your experiences of patient safety or any aspect of health and social care in Somerset, and this can remain anonymous. Share your views online at healthwatchsomerset.co.uk/talk-to-us/, by phone 0800 999 1286 (freephone), or email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk
