Virginia Mason's commitment to safety and quality is helping to inspire new measures aimed at improving patient safety at hospitals throughout England.
The United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt will deliver a major public policy speech at Virginia Mason at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 26, during which he will announce new patient-safety initiatives for the National Health Service (NHS) of England. His proposals build upon lessons learned at Virginia Mason and its emphasis on continuous improvement.
"Patient safety is our No. 1 priority," said Virginia Mason Chairman and CEO Gary S. Kaplan, MD. "We're honored that Mr. Hunt is advancing changes in England's health system based in part on the value he sees in our commitment and dedication to always putting patients first."
In England, the government is working to re-establish public confidence in the nation's health system following catastrophic safety and quality failures that sparked an investigation and the 2013 Francis Inquiry Report.
Hunt is traveling to Virginia Mason to unveil his plans for England's health system because of the importance Virginia Mason's experience and success have had in shaping his recommendations. More than 200 government, health care and business leaders throughout the Puget Sound area have been invited to his presentation in Volney Richmond Auditorium at Virginia Mason's Lindeman Pavilion, 1201 Terry Ave., Seattle.
"Here the tragic death of Mrs. Mary McClinton 10 years ago - and its impact on her family, her doctors, the hospital and the wider community - became a turning point," Hunt will say during his speech. "Your resolve in choosing to learn and change as a response is an inspiration for health professionals the world over. Just as in aviation or automobile manufacturing, when something goes wrong, you 'stop the line.' And as a result, much harm has been avoided and many lives saved."
"You are now regarded as one of the safest hospitals in the world," Hunt will say.
The McClinton case sparked sweeping changes in patient safety protocols at Virginia Mason. She is also the namesake of the hospital's patient safety award, which is given annually to the Virginia Mason team that develops and implements the most significant measures that enhance patient safety.
Accompanying Hunt to Virginia Mason will be the quality director for England's Department of Health; the patient safety director for the National Health Service of England; and the Care Quality Commission's chief hospital inspector.
In 2002, Virginia Mason became the first health care organization in the United States to apply principles of the Toyota Production System to eliminate waste, improve quality and safety, and lower cost. Virginia Mason has since become an international model for safety, quality and efficiency as its physicians, nurses and other team members strive to transform health care.
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