Road Town, Tortola, 13th September 2023: In an effort to redefine patient-centric healthcare, the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) commemorated World Patient Safety Day on 15 September with a grand ceremony at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Lobby.
Drawing inspiration from the powerful theme, “Elevate The Voice of Patients For Patient Safety,” BVIHSA didn’t just celebrate, but championed a movement. This movement embodied a resolute dedication to listening to, understanding and acting upon the voices of their patients.
The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the HSA’s innovative patient feedback tools. Created with the aim of fostering transparent communication channels with their patients and the community, these tools were introduced as a beacon, shining a light on areas needing improvement.
Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent Wheatley explained that the Patient Safety Day celebrations aimed to promote the renewed BVIHSA patient partnership approach. The Minister stated, “We recognize that elevating the voice of patients means actively listening to their concerns, learning from their experiences, and involving them as partners in their own care. Our commitment extends to transparent communication, patient-centered care plans, and fostering an environment where every patient feels safe and empowered.”
Similar sentiments were expressed by Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. June Samuel who noted that “The Patent Safety Day event wasn’t just a celebration but a commitment. A commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of every patient by integrating their invaluable feedback into the healthcare process.”
“With the introduction of our new feedback mechanisms and the announced surprise, we set a precedent in patient-centric care,” Dr. Samuel added.
Meanwhile, Director of Quality Rhonda Williams explained that the Patient Safety Day observance is important because evidence shows that when patients are treated as partners in their care, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes. By becoming active members of the healthcare team, patients can contribute to the safety of their care and that of the healthcare system as a whole.
Williams, under whose Department Patient Safety falls also announced that in addition to the implementation of the patient feedback tools, the BVIHSA also launched its “Speak-up for Patient Safety” campaign. This campaign, she noted requires all healthcare workers to be the advocate or the voice of the patient when they can’t speak for themselves.
Both Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges, and Chief Nursing Officer, Jacinth Hannibal applauded the BVIHSA’s implementation of Patient Safety tools. While Chairperson of the Medical Staff & Quality Assurance Subcommittee of the BVIHSA, Dr. Cyrilyn Walters outlined the importance of the new BVIHSA Patient Safety tools.
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