In 2021-22, we saw an increase in sentinel events related to patient deterioration, particularly in children and young people. In response, we proactively brought together more than 100 health care leaders, clinicians, patients, and families to consider how we might improve the safety and quality of care for children accessing emergency healthcare in Victoria.
This resulted in three key recommended actions:
This year we began expanding the Safewards model from mental health into general health settings. To support this we are developing a resource guide and video tools to help health services implement the model effectively.
We are proud to support health services in embedding the Zero Suicide Framework (ZSF) into practice, in direct response to the Royal Commission’s recommendations.
The fifth Improving Sexual Safety Workshop in May brought together leaders and practitioners dedicated to advancing sexual safety in mental health settings. The event was opened by Kate Thwaites, Deputy Chief Mental Health Nurse, with a video address from Minister Ingrid Stitt reinforcing the initiative’s importance.
Five mental health services showcased significant achievements over the past two years, including:
Safer Care Victoria
Safer Care Victoria
Our Sustainable and Quality Use of Diagnostics in Emergency Departments project aims to reduce low-value pathology, diagnostic imaging, and interventions to enhance care quality for consumers, lower carbon emissions, and deliver financial savings.
The Sentinel Events Annual Report 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 revealed a surge in reports of paediatric sentinel events, with a significant number highlighting issues in recognising and responding to patient deterioration. Alarmingly, families and carers felt unheard, and there was variable statewide compliance with The Victorian Children’s Tool for Observation and Response (ViCTOR) chart utilisation across Victoria.
We are excited to announce our continued partnership with Women’s Healthcare Australasia, The Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Round 2 of the Every Week Counts National Preterm Birth Prevention Collaborative.
On June 18, our Improving Care for Older People at Risk of Delirium project brought together 130 passionate healthcare professionals from 36 health services, including metropolitan, regional and rural health services, and Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services, for its first in-pers