As part of activities marking this year’s World Patient Safety Day, health experts have called for a more comprehensive and sustained approach to patient safety in Ghana’s healthcare system, especially for newborns and children.
Speaking at a panel discussion organized by FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital, medical professionals highlighted gaps in current practices and proposed practical steps to improve safety outcomes across health facilities.
Mental Health Is Patient Safety Too – Dr. Maalug
Dr. Yennusom Maalug, Hospital Director at Pantang Hospital, stressed the importance of incorporating psychological support into routine healthcare, especially in cases involving babies and children.
“Psychologists should be part of every health facility,” Dr. Maalug said, adding, “When there are complications with infants, it affects not just the child but the entire family. Mental health support is essential.”
He also urged health workers to care for themselves, noting that stress and burnout among providers can lead to preventable harm.
“You can only give your best when you’re well. Know when to rest; it’s part of safety,” he noted.
Practical Safety Steps for Hospitals – Dr. Francis Addai
Dr. Francis Addai, Head of Medical Services at FOCOS, outlined several key risk areas that must be addressed to improve safety for newborns and children in hospitals and homes:
- Patient Identification: Go beyond names — use multiple identifiers like date of birth to avoid errors.
- Communication: Parents must be fully informed and feel free to ask questions. Clear communication saves lives.
- Medication Safety: Special attention must be given to high-alert medications that can cause serious harm.
- Surgical Safety: Always confirm the correct patient, procedure, and surgical site.
- Infection Control: Preventing hospital-acquired infections must be a daily priority.
- Fall Prevention: Even minor falls can result in serious complications, especially for babies.
“We all have to be intentional…Every health facility must embed these principles into daily practice,” Dr. Addai added.
World Patient Safety Day
World Patient Safety Day is observed annually on September 17, an initiative launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019 to promote safer healthcare globally. The 2025 theme, “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child,” calls for stronger protections for children and babies from harm in medical settings.
