Safe in our hands

In March 2007, the Scottish Government launched the Scottish Patient Safety Alliance (SPSA). The Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP) is the first major programme of work to be introduced by SPSA. SPSP is led by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) and has a technical partner, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). SPSP’s National Co-ordinator Jane Murkin works closely with Jason Leitch, the National Clinical Lead for Safety and Quality, and Pat O’Connor, the National Patient Safety Development Advisor, both from the Scottish Government.

Our aims

SPSP aims to systematically improve the safety and reliability of hospital care throughout Scotland. By building capacity and capability in the improvement methodology, we are developing a sustainable infrastructure for continuous quality improvement. Scotland was the first country to take this strategic, national approach to improving patient safety. Through SPSP we aim to reduce adverse events by 30% and mortality by 15%. Improving everyday practice We recognise the complexities involved in delivering modern healthcare and the need to standardise our approach to making care safer.

Our focus is on 5 key workstreams:

• Leadership
• Critical care
• General ward
• Medicines management
• Peri-operative.

We want to deliver care which we know is safe and reliable

We believe that by reliably introducing evidence-based changes to practice, patient safety in Scotland will be significantly improved. Our approach is an inclusive one, engaging NHS staff and public partners and facilitating each NHS board on a multidisciplinary level. Through national learning sessions, networking and capacity building events you can learn about improvement methodology and how to implement specific programme interventions. We arrange on-site support visits and facilitate the sharing of local findings and good practice among those leading safety improvements within their hospital or NHS board. We host a series of national, strategic integration meetings collaborating with partners which aims to align and integrate other national initiatives and programmes of work. Our vision is an NHS where SPSP methodologies are embedded into everyday practice.