Patients for Patient Safety (PFPS) is a World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative aimed at improving patient safety in health care. Networks of PFPS have been set up in a number of countries around the world. The purpose of setting up a network of PFPS is to promote understanding and dialogue around patient safety and the role patients can play in developing new tools useful in patient safety. PFPS aim to foster and build collaboration and links between patients and staff on the range of patient safety efforts at regional and local levels, so that lessons can be shared and partnerships created.
The establishment of PFPS network in Ireland was led by Ms. Margaret Murphy, Lead Advisor and Chair of PFPS Strategy Group with WHO and the steering group facilitated by the HSE Advocacy Unit with the support and endorsement of Dr. Philip Crowley, National Director of Quality and Patient Safety.
Following expressions of interest from service users and healthcare staff, two workshops were held at which interested individuals were given an opportunity to tell their story and why they wanted to get involved in PFPS and explored the objectives, opportunities and the next steps for Patients for Patient Safety in Ireland (PFPSI). Contact was made with Patients for Patient Safety Canada via a videolink and an overview was provided of how Patients for Patient Safety initiative operates in Canada. Those who were interested in PFPS designation were asked to make an application to WHO and to commit to the WHO Collaborative Agreement of PFPS.
18 individuals received WHO designation as Patients for Patient Safety Ireland (PFPSI). A number of them are involved in various initiatives around the country aimed at improving patient safety. This is the initial stage of the establishment of PFPSI and it is envisaged that the network will develop and grow. If you are interested in learning more about PFPSI or would like to get involved in the future expansion of the network, please contact the Advocacy Unit on 045 880400 or by email at opse@hse.ie
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