Canadian Patient Safety Week (CPSW) is an annual campaign that began in 2005 to inspire improvement in patient safety and quality. This initiative is now part of the newly amalgamated Healthcare Excellence Canada, an organization which works with patients and other partners to deliver lasting improvement in patient safety and experience, work life of healthcare providers, value for money and the health of everyone in Canada.

By placing a high level of importance on patient safety, the accreditation services provided by Accreditation Canada Diagnostics elevates the confidence of patients, physicians, nurses, facility administration, government and of all those working in the accredited service. Accreditation Canada is a signatory (ISO 15189) to the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and its regional Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC). The ISO 15189 Plus™ certificates granted under this MRA are recognized world-wide and provide recognition of competence as well as underscore the facility’s experience, superior technical competence and reliability.

This year, Canadian Patient Safety Week highlights the theme Who knows? Essential Care Partners do. Alongside Healthcare Excellence Canada, AC Diagnostics recognizes that Essential Care Partners are vital members of the care team who provide consistent support to a loved one throughout their care journey - improving patient safety, experience of care and outcomes. As an early response to COVID-19, many health and care facilities implemented restrictions that prohibited Essential Care Partners from being physically present as partners in care. These restrictions have led to many unintended harms that impacted the safety, experience, and outcomes of those receiving care, their care partners, and health and care providers. As the pandemic continues to evolve, Healthcare Excellence Canada is working with partners to assist in the safe re-integration of ECPs in a patient’s journey of care.

CPSW2021 runs from October 25 – 29. For more information and resources that support the safe reintegration of Essential Care Partners into health and care settings visit www.PatientSafetyWeek.ca.