Featured Topics

• Adverse events in surgery
• Reporting procedures
• Theatre checklists
• Organisation of the surgical ward
• Avoidable catastrophes
  

Welcome

Patient safety is firmly at the forefront of each of our minds when we are considering any treatment for our surgical patients. Surgical intervention, however, is particularly hazardous and any reduction in patient safety can potentially result in a threat to life. Media coverage has made us all too aware of "near misses" and "fatalities" associated with inadequate treatment of the surgical patient and as a result various safeguards have been recommended and are being implemented in an attempt to reduce adverse events and to minimise avoidable risk.

This conference will examine the evidence base for safe surgical practice. It will involve speakers from many disciplines, but all are experts on particular aspects of patient safety. We especially need to learn lesson from aviation, where hours are stringently controlled and pilots rigorously tested throughout their careers.

The programme is divided into four session. These are entitled, adverse events in surgery, clinical perspectives, team working and time out and avoidable catastrophes. At the end of each session, there will be an interactive discussion and an opportunity for questions and debate. A final session will attempt to draw together all of the available evidence presented and a conference statement will be published and widely disseminated after the event.

We extend an open invitation to all of those involved with or interested in patient safety, no matter what your background or specialty. We hope you enjoy the day and are able to return to your places of work with positive ideas and practical suggestions on how to improve the delivery of surgical services in your regions.