National Patient Safety Awareness Week kicks off

  • Published
  • By Mrs. Arlyss Bykonen
  • 319th Medical Group
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Patient Safety Awareness Week is a national education and awareness-building campaign to improve patient safety. Healthcare organizations across the country are planning events to promote patient safety within their own organizations. Educational activities are centered on educating patients on how to become involved in their own health care, as well as working with Medical Treatment Facilities to build partnerships with their patient community.

The 319th Medical Group is joining other leading health care organizations around the globe in celebration of Patient Safety Awareness Week. The focus this year is on effective communication. The theme, "Patient Safety: A Road Taken Together" emphasizes a collective effort for safer healthcare among patients, families, providers, and communities.

As part of the week's celebration, the 319th Medical Group will focus on how to avoid contagious diseases like the common cold, strep throat, and influenza. The one most important action to prevent spreading viruses is simply washing hands. There will be demonstrations on effective hand washing by using Glo Germ™ - a "pretend germ liquid is rubbed onto one's hand like lotion. The next step is to wash hands as normal. An ultra violet light will illuminate any remaining "pretend germs" present.

There will also be demonstrations on how to cover one's mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing as well as how to sneeze or cough into the crook of one's arm.

This is flu season and one of the best preventions is a flu shot. They are still available to all Tricare Prime beneficiaries in the immunizations clinic, appointments are not necessary. The immunization clinic is open Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please stop by the exhibits in the pharmacy waiting areas during National Patient Safety Awareness week. Representatives will be on hand to share information on numerous patient safety initiatives. For more information, call Mrs. Arlyss Bykonen at 747-5321.