17 September 2021
Health and Community Services is today celebrating World Patient Safety Day, which was set up in 2019 by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to increase public engagement in the safety of health care.
The day aims to enhance global understanding of patient safety, increase public engagement, and promote global action to prevent and reduce avoidable harm in health care. Each year, a different theme is the focus; this year's theme is 'Safe maternal and newborn care', which aims to raise awareness of maternal and newborn safety.
Head of Midwifery, Dana Scott, said: "This campaign is even more important this year due to the disruption the pandemic has had on health services and Islanders.
"Approximately 810 women and 6700 newborns die worldwide every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Most stillbirths, maternal, and newborn deaths are avoidable through the provision of care by skilled health professionals.
"Maternity services in Jersey are committed to providing safe and high-quality care throughout pregnancy, labour and after the baby is born. Maternity services are currently being refurbished which will increase the comfort of mothers and their babies.
"I would like to encourage anyone who has any questions to get in touch with us on (01534) 442450."
To mark the occasion, Fort Regent will be joining landmarks across the world in being lit up in orange, which is the signature mark of the campaign.
gov.je