In order to enhance the health sector and academic education and raise the rank of the National Guard Health Affairs, Prof. Youssef Al Eissa, the Vice President of the Educational Affairs and the Dean of the College of Medicine, KSAU-HS on behalf of H.E. Dr. Bandar Al Knawy, the CEO of National Guard Health Affairs announced the opening of the Quality and Patient Safety Forum in medical curriculums.
Prof. Youssef Al Eissa gave a speech where he welcomed all the guests in the Dr. Sameer Huraib Auditorium as well as those viewing through video-link from Jeddah, Dammam and Al-Ahsa. He pointed out the commitment of the NGHA workers to improve and develop the quality of care, the systems and advanced patients services. In addition, he stated they are constantly trying to raise the quality of health services provided.
Additionally, Prof. Youssef Al Eissa said as he addressed a group of university professors and doctors: On behalf of the Scientific Committee, I welcome all of you to celebrate the success of the NGHA departments in raising the level of Quality and Patient Safety.
The significance of health practices is to the focus on providing the best possible care for all who need it. It is a moral obligation for health care providers to provide the best care for patients.
The NGHA chose the 20th of April 2009 as the day to launch the Quality and Patient Safety Forum. The forum was held via visual communication in all NGHA facilities. It highlighted different accomplishments, improvements and projects which help in providing a promising future.
The Quality and Patient Safety projects prove that they can be applicable due to the growing determination of the health care culture, systems and procedures.
The NGHA is continuously working to improve care quality, systems and services. In addition, the efficiency of health care providers plays a significant role in the advanced care quality. The NGHA personnel are the pride of this institution.
After that, Dr. Saadi Taher, the Executive Director of Medical Services in King Abdulaziz Medical City gave a lecture under the title “Medical Professionalism” where he talked about the status of health sector personnel and importance of putting the interest of the patient first.
Dr. Taher gave examples about consequences of the errors committed by international doctors in America and Europe which lead to weakening the patient and community’s trust in some health sectors. That lead to the need for change and advancement in the health care system. He also stressed on the health sector’s commitment to the patient and the community which could be best done through increased knowledge, medical and clinical skills and professional practice. Also, he mentioned the importance of being honest with patients as well as the need for awareness and respect when dealing with them. He concluded the lecture with highlighting two basic principles; improving the quality of treatment and professionalism. After that, the discussion was opened through a video-link from Jeddah followed by Al-Ahsa and Al Dammam.
A number of speakers participated in the forum including: Ellen Fayda who talked about the ambition of medical safety, Yaseen Orabie about protocols for intensive care response team, and Fayiz Nassrallah about high risk birth cases.
The forum objectives were:
•The patient and his/her family come first.
•Enhancing academic health and education.
•Supporting research and innovation to improve patient care.
•Raising the level of care and safety.
•Scientific excellence and efficiency.
•Providing social health care.
•Advancing the NGHA to high levels of work and growth.