Health teams to raise awareness on patient safety at home |20 September 2019

The Ministry of Health and the Seychelles Patients Association will be out in force to continue the monumental commemoration of the first World Patient Safety Day which fell on September 17.

Starting from 8.30am and ending at around 12.30pm more than 100 health staff will this weekend take part in a person to person mass sensitisation, probably a first of this magnitude taking place at the same time all over the country.

Health Minister Jean-Paul Adam has indicated that he will also be taking part, popping in at one or several of the stations to demonstrate his support to the staff.

“On World Patient Safety Day we focused on patient safety in care institutions,” said Dr Bernard Valentin, principal secretary for health.

“This weekend, the focus will be on patient safety during care-giving at home. The focus will be on avoiding infections, injuries, accidents and errors while caring for a loved one at home. The information we will give will benefit everyone,” he added.

Wearing yellow or white or blue T-shirts clearly marked with the words Seychelles Patients Association, the teams will be stationed in critical locations in each of the districts taking part.

“Several actors from the business community have joined with the Ministry of Health and the Seychelles Patients Association to make this event possible. They have sponsored the T-shirts, the refreshments and provided other support.

“We are immensely grateful for the partnership and the solidarity,” said Dr Valentin.

The list of stations are as follows: Beau Vallon (open area behind Police Station); English River (Orion Mall); Plaisance/Roche Caiman (Roche Caiman, opposite Fresh Cuts); Anse Royale (based in Hospital Green Area but roaming the pavements of the commercial area in Anse Royale); Anse Aux Pins (near Chetty Flat); Anse Boileau (playing field); Grand Anse (turning point at the junction to La Misère); Port Glaud (Port Launay Bus Terminal); Baie Ste Anne Praslin (playground); Grand Anse Praslin (pavement by the Health Centre); La Digue (La Passe).