Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 26: Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) marked the inaugural ‘Patient Safety Week’ with a ceremony at the OPD entrance, led by the Hospital Safety Committee on September 25. This event, held in line with ‘World Patient Safety Day’, launched a week-long awareness campaign under the theme ‘Engaging Patients for Patient Safety’.
The event commenced with a prayer song by students of Father Muller College (Speech & Hearing), followed by a welcome address by Jyoti Moras, assistant quality manager. The lamp-lighting ceremony was performed by dignitaries, symbolizing the start of this significant initiative.
Chief guest, Dr Udaykumar, medical superintendent of FMMCH addressed the gathering, highlighting the critical role of patient safety in healthcare. He spoke about the need for preventive and corrective actions, monthly staff training, and emphasized the importance of patients understanding their role in ensuring their own safety, such as proper registration, following doctors' instructions, and being proactive in asking questions about medications.
Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of FMCI, congratulated Dr Helen Gnanakalanjiam, chief quality manager, and her team for the meticulous planning of the event, stressing the importance of collective efforts in promoting safety.
Fr Jeevan George Sequeira, administrator of FMMCH, introduced two new patient safety measures: a QR code for feedback and a brochure on patient safety in English, Kannada, and Malayalam, aimed at empowering patients to take control of their healthcare.
The event also featured a role play and skit by the nursing service department and Father Muller College of Nursing, which demonstrated the importance of a safe healthcare environment and encouraged patients to be proactive in their care.
Organized by the Hospital Safety Committee, with Fr George Jeevan Sequeira as chairperson and Alvita Saldanha as secretary, the week will feature competitions for the students and staff of FMCI, such as poster-making, creative writing, quizzes, and more to raise awareness of patient safety.
The program was emceed by Shyni Cardoza, assistant quality manager, and concluded with dignitaries, including Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais, administrator Father Muller Homeopathic Pharmaceutical Division Derlakatte, Fr Donald Neelesh Crasta, assistant administrator FMMCH, Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza dean FMMC, Sr Nancy Mathias CNO, alongside staff, students, and the public, in attendance. The week-long celebrations promote safety awareness through creative activities.