Blog

As we celebrate World Patient Safety Day 2023, we are reminded of the theme for this year: "Engaging patients for patient safety" and the rallying slogan, "Elevate the voice of patients!" At Priority Recruitment, we understand the significance of these words more than ever. This year's theme underscores the pivotal role that as a recruitment agency, we also play in advancing safety in healthcare.

The World Health Organization emphasises that the perspectives of patients, families, and caregivers are invaluable, given their first-hand experience of the entire patient journey. Their insights offer a unique window into the challenges and opportunities within healthcare systems. Notably, studies have shown that meaningful patient engagement has the potential to reduce the burden of harm by up to 15%, resulting in the preservation of countless lives and billions of dollars each year.

This emphasis on patient and family engagement isn't a fleeting notion; it's firmly embedded as a fundamental principle in the World Health Assembly resolution (WHA72.6) on Global action on patient safety and in the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021-2030. It's clear that patient safety isn't just a concern for healthcare professionals; it's a collective endeavour that starts with recruitment and extends to the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Our commitment to patient safety begins at the very outset of our recruitment process, and it's a commitment we uphold not just on World Patient Safety Day but every day. Let's delve into how we ensure that patient safety remains paramount in our recruitment practices.

Pre-Screening: The Foundation of Excellence

Ensuring patient safety means meticulous pre-screening of our candidates. We leave no stone unturned to ensure that only the most qualified and trustworthy individuals enter the healthcare workforce. Here's an overview of our pre-screening process:

1. Relevant Experience

All our candidates have to have a minimum of 6 months of experience in the UK, as well as previous experience with the client's condititon (e.g., brain injury, cerebral palsy, etc.).

2. DBS Convictions

We conduct thorough background checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, to ensure that candidates have no criminal convictions that could compromise patient safety.

3. Reference Checks

References aren't just checkboxes for us. We scrutinise candidate references to verify their qualifications and performance, ensuring that there are no issues that might impact patient care.

4. Character References

We delve deeper into a candidate's character by seeking character references. We believe that a candidate's integrity and ethics are as crucial as their skills and qualifications.

5. Safeguarding Issues

Patient safety is closely tied to safeguarding. We investigate whether candidates have any history of involvement in safeguarding issues.

6. Training Verification

We ensure that all required training and certifications are up-to-date, leaving no room for lapses in knowledge or skills.

7. Additional Training

In addition to mandatory training, we assess whether candidates have pursued any additional training that enhances their ability to provide safe and effective care.

Placing Candidates: A Collaborative Effort

Once a candidate successfully clears our rigorous pre-screening, we present them for a meet and greet with our clients. We believe in collaboration, and our clients' satisfaction and comfort with the chosen candidate are paramount.

If the client is satisfied with the candidate, we proceed with the placement, confident that we've done our part to ensure the safety of patients.

Post-Placement: Ensuring Patient Safety

Our commitment doesn't end with placement. We understand that continuous monitoring and adherence to best practices are essential for patient safety. Therefore, it is our clients' and our responsibility to ensure that our placed candidates adhere to the following procedures:

1. Care Plans Followed

Our candidates rigorously follow patient care plans, ensuring that each patient receives the specific care they need.

2. Daily Evaluations and Observations

Daily evaluations and observations are critical in tracking patient progress and identifying any potential issues. Our candidates must update them diligently.

3. Regular Updates

During the crucial first month of placement, we require weekly updates to closely monitor the candidate's performance. Afterwards, monthly evaluations continue to ensure ongoing excellence in care.

At Priority Recruitment, we're not just in the business of filling roles; we're in the business of safeguarding patients. Our dedication to patient safety is unwavering, and it's a commitment we uphold every day, not just on World Patient Safety Day.

Join us in celebrating World Patient Safety Day 2023 by recognising the importance of patient safety in healthcare and the critical role that diligent recruitment plays in ensuring the highest standards of care.

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Learn more about our healthcare division or browse our current vacancies.