Date
Wednesday
Sep
17

September 17

International Patient Safety Day

It's International Patient Safety Day - join us in spreading awareness for the importance of proper healthcare protocols to keep patients safe!

Yearly Date
September 17
Type
Day
Category
Health

Introduction

On September 17, we celebrate International Patient Safety Day to recognize the importance of providing quality healthcare around the world. This day was created in 2004 by The World Health Organization to raise awareness about the risks associated with medical care and how to reduce them. It is a great opportunity for healthcare professionals, patients and their families to come together and discuss ways to improve patient safety. It's also a chance for us all to learn more about how we can protect ourselves from potential harm when it comes to healthcare. So let's get involved this International Patient Safety Day and make sure everyone gets the care they deserve!

International Patient Safety Day Timeline

2000
Creation of WHO Patient Safety
The World Health Organization creates a focal point for different aspects of patient safety worldwide.
2004
1st International Patient Safety Day
WAHO (West African Health Organization) declared September 17 as the first International Patient Safety Day to promote patient safety worldwide.
2005
WHO Launches "Clean Care Is Safer Care"
WHO launched a campaign to improve hand hygiene in healthcare called "Clean Care Is Safer Care," marking a significant movement towards better patient safety.
2008
Patient Safety a Global Priority
The first "Global Ministerial Summit" on patient safety occurred, asserting that patient safety is a global healthcare priority.
2019
First WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge
The first WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge, "Medication Without Harm," was launched, aiming to reduce medication-related harm by 50% over five years.
2020
COVID-19 and Patient Safety
The COVID-19 pandemic shone a spotlight on the importance of patient safety in preventing cross-infection and protecting healthcare workers.

How to Celebrate International Patient Safety Day

1

Educate yourself

Take the time to learn more about patient safety and the importance of being an advocate for patients. Research the risks and benefits of treatments, ask questions, and get informed on the latest patient safety protocols.

2

Volunteer

Find a local hospital or clinic and volunteer your time. You can help raise awareness about patient safety and provide support to patients in need.

3

Share Your Story

If you’ve had a negative experience with a medical provider, don’t be afraid to share your story. This will help bring attention to the importance of patient safety.

4

Write a Letter

Write a letter to your local government representatives highlighting the importance of patient safety and stressing the need for better protections for patients.

5

Attend a Conference

Look for local or national conferences focusing on patient safety. Attend these conferences to learn from experts, network with other advocates, and share your experiences.

Why International Patient Safety Day is Important

A

Patient safety is paramount

Patients should be able to trust that their doctors and other healthcare providers are taking all necessary steps to ensure their safety. International Patient Safety Day helps to raise awareness of the importance of patient safety and encourages healthcare professionals to prioritize this important issue.

B

It raises awareness about the risks associated with healthcare

Many patients don't realize the possible risks associated with undergoing medical treatments and procedures. International Patient Safety Day provides an opportunity for health care providers and organizations to educate the public on these potential dangers, as well as ways to help prevent them.

C

It promotes collaboration across the healthcare industry

International Patient Safety Day brings together healthcare professionals from across the globe in order to discuss innovative strategies that can improve patient safety protocols. Through collaboration and communication, we can work together to reduce errors, save lives, and ultimately achieve safer outcomes for all patients!

International Patient Safety Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Sep 16
Saturday
2024
Sep 16
Monday
2025
Sep 16
Tuesday
2026
Sep 16
Wednesday
2027
Sep 16
Thursday