The PSA was launched at the Oxford Hotel on 22nd July. Oxford AHSN (Academic Health Science Network) Chief Operating Officer Dr Paul Durrands said patient safety was already high on the agenda and the PSA will build on existing work, strengthen engagement and set local priorities as well as forming part of the national network of Patient Safety Collaboratives. Co-Directors, Peter McCulloch and Helen Higham announced that the acceptance of complications in surgery as the norm had to change and effective collaboration was the key.
There is also a strong safety focus within the Clinical Innovation Adoption programme through a number of initiatives including electronic blood transfusion and reducing urinary tract infections.
The PSA will work with the expertise and experience already available in the region to improve emergency surgery which was highlighted as a key area.
In its second year, the PSA focus will be extended to safety in primary care and mental health.