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The program was subsequently launched at Greenslopes Private Hospital in June. This innovative and evidence-based programme is based on the highly successful and proven approach developed over 25 years ago by Vanderbilt University (USA). It is the first time the Vanderbilt programme has been implemented by a private hospital operator in Australia.

The programme addresses in a positive way any behaviour which undermines a culture of safety through peer-to-peer conversations and equipping staff with assertiveness training.

Ramsay has adapted the Vanderbilt programme for its employees and clinicians with the aim to improve and build on the organisation’s strong culture of safety and quality.

“When the late Paul Ramsay established Ramsay Health Care over 50 years ago, his philosophy of “people caring for people” became the cornerstone of the organisation’s ongoing success”, said Ramsay CEO Danny Sims.

“The Ramsay Board and Ramsay Australia Executive believe the “Speak Up for Patient Safety” Programme is imperative to the delivery of this philosophy and reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding healthcare and services to our patients”, he said.

Planning and development of the programme commenced eight months ago with a major focus on informing, educating and engaging key stakeholder groups. Prior to the launch, over 6,000 employees and doctors have received training and information about the programme.

“We are extremely excited to be leading the way in Australia with this landscape changing programme and I am really proud of the overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic response from our employees and doctors across all our hospitals,” Danny said. Ramsay Heath also launched a video to go with the commencement of the Program.