World Patient Safety Day

In May 2019, all 194 World Health Organization Member States endorsed the establishment of World Patient Safety Day to be marked annually on September 17. It was established to enhance the global understanding of patient safety, increase public engagement in healthcare safety, and promote global actions to improve patient safety and reduce patient harm. 

World Patient Safety Day 2023 takes place on September 17 and this year’s theme is "Engaging patients for patient safety," in recognition of the vital role patients, families and essential care partners play in the safety of health care.

When patients, residents and clients are valued as partners at every level, significant gains are made in safety, patient satisfaction and health outcomes. By becoming active members of the care team, patients can contribute to the safety of their care and that of the healthcare system.

Improving quality and safety is the foundation of our work – with and for – the people who receive care and those who deliver it. Everyone contributes to safer care. Together we must learn and act to create safer care and reduce all forms of healthcare harm.

Join Healthcare Excellence Canada, the World Health Organization and others around the globe on World Patient Safety Day and every day in supporting meaningful engagement across the continuum of care to make care safer for all.

Learn more about World Patient Safety Day