World Patient Safety Day: Shining a spotlight on patient engagement to support safer care across Somerset
Patients and families should be involved at every level of health and care to help NHS Somerset plan to make services better.
In June 2023, NHS Somerset appointed two Patient Safety Partners (PSPs) to support Somerset’s journey to improve the way patients are involved to help keep others safe. The PSPs, who have a wealth of experience, are hosted by us, the county’s independent health and social care champion.
The PSP’s will:
- have oversight of all patient and public feedback gathered by us, and use this to gain insight and report on issues relating to patient safety;
- become active members of NHS Somerset’s safety and quality committees to ensure the voice of patients is heard; and
- be involved in patient safety improvement projects within Somerset.
To find out more about the role of PSPs, visit: NHS England » Framework for involving patients in patient safety
Emma Savage, NHS Somerset Deputy Director of Quality and Improvement, said: “Patient and family engagement is one of NHS Somerset’s priorities in developing safer health and care systems in Somerset. Safe care depends on the full involvement of patients and families as users of health and care services at every level and requires a shift from care designed for patients to care designed with patients. We are pleased to be able to fund two Patient Safety Partner roles to help ensure the voices of patients in Somerset are heard.”
Our Somerset PSPs are passionate about their new roles using insight gathered from local people to help Somerset NHS deliver safe, quality healthcare.
“Having recently retired from the NHS after almost 50 years’ service, I am privileged in being selected to undertake this role, that will ensure that patient safety is the golden thread which runs through all the processes and procedures that the healthcare services within Somerset provides. By working in partnership with patients, their families, carers and professionals to identify and assist in problem solving the issues of patient and staff safety, ensuring that the provision of healthcare is safer within the complexities of today’s health service.” Glenys, Patient Safety Partner.
“I look forward to representing the patient voice in discussions around the health and social care services in Somerset and to providing that necessary reminder that patient safety must underpin every decision made. I have worked in the fields of health and social care for almost 30 years and I live in Yeovil with my family.” Claire, Patient Safety Partner
Share your views
It’s easy to share your experience with us about patient safety or any aspect of health and social care, and this can remain anonymous.
Freephone 0800 999 1286
