Hanscom clinic recognizes Patient Safety Awareness Week Published March 9, 2016 By Mark Wyatt 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The 66th Medical Squadron will recognize Patient Safety Awareness Week March 14 through 18 to promote patient health care safety to the community. The theme for this year's campaign is "United for Patient Safety." "The purpose of our involvement in Patient Safety Awareness Week again this year is to demonstrate our commitment to keeping our patients, and those who care for them, free from harm," said Col. Joel O. Almosara, 66 MDS commander. During the awareness week, the Hanscom clinic will engage clinic staff and patients through educational and awareness-building activities specific to patient safety science and practice. "Everyone in the health care process plays an important role in delivering safe care to all of our patients at the clinic," said Tina Whitby, 66 MDS patient safety program manager. "By working together and sharing that common goal, we will continue to make a difference in patient safety for those who visit the clinic." Visitors to the clinic will find displays with tips, tools and promotional items designed to promote health and encourage communication with provider teams. Other activities include a staff poster contest that will be displayed in the clinic lobby throughout the week. "Patient safety is the foundation of our patient care," said Almosara. "The 66th Medical Squadron has always been good, but we can always be better. Highlighting Patient Safety Awareness Week will bring attention to this important topic and will only make us better as a health care facility." The Air Force Medical Service and 66 MDS clinic are committed to building a culture of high reliability with a single-minded focus on safety and achieving zero harm. Included as part of this year's campaign, patients, families and consumers are encouraged to visit www.UnitedforPatientSafety.org to download educational materials, post pictures, share stories and more. According to Whitby, each member of the medical squadron is responsible for taking care of the patient and each other, and patient safety begins and ends with every member of the clinic. The MDS commander related it to the clinic's goal of providing "patient-centered care." "The Hanscom clinic is dedicated to providing our patients with the best possible healthcare," said Almosara. "Patient safety drives what we do every day and has always been part of our overall culture." According to the National Patient Safety Foundation website, Patient Safety Awareness Week was first recognized in 2002. For additional information on Patient Safety Awareness Week, visit www.UnitedforPatientSafety.org or contact Whitby at 781-225-4149 or by email at tina.whitby.ctr@us.af.mil.