The board of directors for Headwaters Health Care Centre has endorsed a new set of initiatives for patient safety.

"We are committed to promoting a culture of safety and educating our patients on how they can be more involved in their care," Cholly Boland, Headwaters president and CEO told the hospital's board of directors at its February board meeting.

The hospital reported to the board on patient safety initiatives including infection control monitoring and medication reconciliation (review of patient medications).

"At time of admission, staff discuss safety with patients and family and distribute the hospital's patient safety brochure. A medication list form is available on the hospital website at www. headwatershealth. ca for individuals to track their prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal remedies.

"The list provides emergency services and medical staff with vital information in the event of a visit to Emergency or admission to hospital," said Liz Ruegg, Vice- President Patient Services and chief nursing executive at Headwaters. The hospital also has a mandate to review with the patient, medications taken at home at time of admission, transfer and discharge.

The Board also discussed the hospital's participation in accreditation, a voluntary process that evaluates a hospital's quality and safety policies and procedures against national standards. The goal is to achieve a culture that is patient-centred, encourages continuous quality improvement and ensures patient safety.

The Board also granted Associate Staff privileges in the Department of Medicine to Pathologist Dr. Francoise Truong. Dr. Truong, who is also on staff at William Osler in Brampton, will look at tissue samples from the operating room to determine whether they are cancerous. The hospital's Medical Advisory Committee and Board of Directors extended a warm welcome to Dr. Truong.

The February board of meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of Emergency Department nurse Yolanda Suidgeest. The hospital will be holding a memorial service for staff later this month in the chapel at Headwaters Orangeville.

The next Board of Directors meeting is March 24, at 7:15 p.m. at Headwaters Orangeville.

The public is invited to provide comments and suggestions about hospital services.

Please contact Mr. Boland at 519-941-2702 ext. 2200.