We are committed to strengthening relationships across the safety and quality sector. As part of this ongoing effort, we’ve been actively engaging with WorkSafe Victoria to advocate for health services and address sector-wide concerns.
We’re pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Safer Care Victoria (SCV) and WorkSafe Victoria. This agreement outlines the respective roles and responsibilities of both organisations in managing and reporting notifiable incidents within health services.
The MoU responds directly to challenges raised by the sector regarding reporting obligations for clinical incidents, particularly where the Health Services Act 1988 (Vic) intersects with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) - especially in the context of the Statutory Duty of Candour legislation.
While the MoU has limitations, it formalises the establishment of a joint working committee to support timely and strategic collaboration. Both parties have committed to maintaining strict confidentiality around Serious Adverse Patient Safety Events that meet sentinel event criteria and are reported to SCV.
SCV and the Department of Health will continue to work closely with WorkSafe Victoria to support health services and staff across the state.