Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg outlines the importance of dialogue and discussions that turn past experiences into positive change
On World Patient Safety Day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Ian Borg reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to safer care as implementation of Malta’s first National Patient Safety Strategy 2026–2035 continues.
Dr Borg addressed a national seminar bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, regulators, healthcare leaders and patient representatives to share research, good practice and experiences from their work.
Observed annually on 17 September, World Patient Safety Day is a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative. This year’s campaign focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases under the theme “Safe care for life!”
Deputy Prime Minister Borg emphasised the importance of translating the strategy and research into concrete improvements in patient care. He explained that, while risks will always exist, continuous improvement can help reduce them. He therefore stressed the need for all professionals involved to come together to analyse incidents, learn from them and take the necessary steps to prevent them from happening again.
“Patient safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of any health system. Our responsibility is to build a system that anticipates risks, responds effectively when challenges arise, learns from experience and continually improves. We must continue working together to ensure that our professionals and staff have the knowledge, training and support they need to provide ever safer, high-quality care to our patients,” Dr Borg said.
Implementation of the Strategy includes strengthening national patient safety coordination within the Superintendence of Public Health. As part of these efforts, approximately €600,000 has been secured through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) for a programme of patient-safety training and leadership development, equipping staff to better recognise risks and improve their practice.
Work is also underway to strengthen national incident reporting and evaluation systems, with the aim of identifying common causes and translating lessons learnt into better, safer practice.
The Strategy also places patients and their families at its centre. The Superintendence of Public Health is initiating dialogue with patients and their representatives to explore how their voice can be strengthened within the national patient-safety framework.
Superintendent of Public Health Professor Charmaine Gauci emphasised the importance of coordination across services and patient involvement. “Patients experience one journey of care, even when it involves different organisations, professions and services. This is why their experience can reveal aspects that may not always be apparent when each part of the system is assessed separately,” she said.
She explained that the Superintendence would continue bringing together existing work, supporting healthcare entities and identifying challenges requiring a national response.
The seminar addressed incident reporting, regulatory oversight, workforce wellbeing and safety. A multidisciplinary panel discussed how research and patients’ experiences can lead to significant improvements in care.
