Patients 4 Safety 

Patient Safety in Canada 

An estimated 400,000 people suffer harm in our healthcare system every year, including 28,000 who will lose their lives. Patient safety incidents are preventable and are the third leading cause of death in Canada, after cancer and heart disease. 

Preventable harm happens when the many safety checks that healthcare systems have in place don't work as they should. Harm from hospital-acquired infections, medication errors and falls are Canada's biggest patient safety problems. 

The overall cost of pain and suffering to those affected by preventable harm cannot be measured. We all have an important role to play in improving patient safety. 

Patients for Patient Safety Canada (PFPSC) is a community of patients and families, most of whom have experienced harm in our healthcare system. See some of our member videos and stories here.

Patients for Patient Safety Canada takes action to champion patient safety at all levels of the healthcare system, including: 

• Supporting the federal Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa's Law). This mandatory reporting legislation requires all hospitals in Canada to report serious adverse medication reactions and medical device incidents. We created an educational module for the public on this legislation. 
• Helping to develop and spread "5 Questions to Ask about your Medication". Now in over 70 languages, this educational tool helps to encourage and empower people to ask the right questions about their medications. 
• Contributing to global campaigns. As recognized global leaders, Patients for Patient Safety Canada helps shape World Health Organization global and national patient safety efforts and tools. We have helped form policy and build tools which increase awareness about medication safety, antimicrobial resistance, hand hygiene, asking questions and so much more. 

Ask us how we can partner in your patient safety efforts. 

1-866-421-6933 
patients4safety@hec-esc-ca 
www.patientsforpatientsafety.ca
Twitter @patients4safety