On 17 September 2025, countries around the world will mark World Patient Safety Day, a global campaign created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019. The day was established after studies revealed that unsafe medical practices cause millions of preventable injuries and deaths every year.
The aim is clear: to protect lives, build trust, and strengthen resilient healthcare systems. Each year focuses on a different theme, and this year’s is “Safe care for every new-born and every child”, with the slogan “Patient safety from the start!”. Children are among the most vulnerable patients, and their rapid development, changing health needs, and reliance on adults for decision-making mean they face unique risks. A single mistake in care can have lifelong consequences.
Unsafe delivery practices, medication errors, infections, and missed diagnoses are among the most common causes of harm. Research shows that adverse events are particularly frequent in intensive care settings, where as many as nine in ten critically ill children may experience a safety issue.
This is why the WHO and its partners are calling for stronger systems, better training for healthcare staff, and more involvement from families and caregivers. Safe, child-centred care is not optional, it’s essential.
The Elderly: Safety Across the Lifespan
While this year’s campaign highlights children, patient safety doesn’t stop at childhood. At Oxford House Community Care, we see the risks faced by older adults every day. Reduced mobility, chronic conditions, memory loss, and complex medication routines make them particularly vulnerable to harm. Something as simple as a fall, a missed dose, or unsafe equipment can have serious consequences. Just as children need care adapted to their stage of life, so do the elderly.
Practical steps can make a big difference:
- Good lighting in hallways and bathrooms
- Grab rails and non-slip mats in bathrooms
- Medication dispensers to avoid errors
- Regular vision and hearing checks
- Personal alarms for emergencies
These simple measures protect independence and prevent avoidable hospital admissions.
World Patient Safety Day is not just for doctors and nurses. The WHO calls on families, carers, community leaders, and health professionals to work together to prevent harm. Every voice counts, whether it’s a parent advocating for their child, or a carer ensuring an older adult takes their medication safely.
At Oxford House, we put safety at the heart of our care. From newborns to the elderly, we believe that every patient deserves dignity, respect, and protection from harm. World Patient Safety Day 2025 reminds us that patient safety is a right, not a privilege. Children deserve safe care from the start, and older adults deserve safe care throughout their later years.