The Safety Net
October 2025
| Stay informed with the latest insights, updates, and initiatives dedicated to enhancing patient safety. | | |
Dear PFPSC colleagues - Thank you for your ongoing support for our programs, services and events!
Our Board has been spending a fair bit of time reaching out to and talking with various healthcare and other partners for funding, sponsorship or in-kind supports. This effort will continue, particularly as we are in great need of funding to support our operations, and are reaching the point of uncertainty regarding our future. We will keep you posted, and if you know of a source of funding we should reach out to, please let us know. We have received some funding from HIROC for the development of toolkits for communications and mutual/healing/incident management. These toolkits are resource development that HIROC has stipulated for their funding, and which they feel will help guide us through some of our strategy and operational plans. We are in the midst of seeking contracts for both of these toolkits.
Other initiatives aligned with partners also continue - e.g. Kim Neudorf has spoken with the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research regarding AMR. She will also represent PFPSC on a WHO AMR Task Force. We continue to be involved with ISMP on initiatives as well as on advisory committees to Health Canada Food & Drug Directorate, and National Drug Program. We are in the process of exploring our strategic direction and other related options (e.g. Business model) through a Think Tank with key patient safety experts or partners - will keep you posted on that.
| | Mutual Healing Working Group Update | | |
The Mutual Healing Group have not been successful to date in securing an organization to pilot the program. We remain committed to bring this program as an adjunct to the Incident Management process of healthcare organizations in Canada. The benefit to patients, families and healthcare workers would be huge. To this end, we will be meeting with a leadership representative from the Winnipeg Health Region to discuss barriers to piloting the program and where we might change our approach or the program itself to make organizations more comfortable with piloting it.
Together for healing,
The Mutual Healing Working Group (MHWG)
| | Knowledge Transfer (KT) Working Group Update | | |
The Knowledge Transfer (KT) Group organized a webinar for World Patient Safety Day (Sept. 17) about "Safe Care for Children in Canada'. This was very informative with practical suggestions for families related to safe medication use, finding reliable health information online, an overview of children's healthcare in Canada and what to do if things go wrong in healthcare. This is a link to a recording of the webinar - Please share the link within your network. The KT group is deeply appreciative for the time and effort of the presenters- Marjolaine Provost, Children’s Healthcare Canada, Dr. Joss Reimer, Canadian Medical Association, Melissa Sheldrick, Institute for Safe Medication Practice Canada as well as Angie Hamson and Theresa Malloy-Miller from PFPSC.
The next event, Canadian Patient Safety Week 2025 (CPSW), is coming up in October (Oct. 27-31/25). The theme this year is All Voices for Safer Care set by Healthcare Excellence Canada. This year’s theme aligns well with the PFPSC Vision of ‘Every Patient Safe’. Make sure to attend the webinar that Joni Magill and Linda Hughes will be presenting in during CPSW on Oct 29 1030 PT, 1130 MT/SK, 1230 CT, 1330 ET, 1430 AT, 1500 NL Link to register
In November look for updates about Pressure Injury Prevention Day (November 20/25) and World Antimicrobial Resistance week (Nov. 18-24/25).
A huge thank you to Shalini Periyalwar for developing the social media posts for CPSW and to Janet for posting them. Thanks also to members for sharing these posts on your social media platforms. This is how you contribute to increasing PFPSC’s presence and our concerns about patient safety on the world stage.
The KT Group and Communication Group are looking for a student volunteer to work with a PFPSC member to create social media posts. It would be helpful for the student to have some awareness of patient safety issues. Contact Theresa Malloy-Miller or Donna Davis if you have any questions.
PFPSC Knowledge Transfer Group
Theresa Malloy-Miller, Chair, Paula Orecklin, Esha Ray Chaudhuri, Kathy Kovacs Burns
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Communications Working Group Update
Supporting Communication and Connection
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The Communications Working Group continue the daily work of supporting the PFPSC website, developing the Newsletter and bringing information to the membership. We also assist the Knowledge Transfer Working Group with social media for the various campaigns, i.e. World Patient Safety Day, Canadian Patient Safety Week etc. We welcome you to bring forth ideas to make communication with you, the members, better. If you’d like to join the CWG please don’t hesitate. We’d love to have you on the group.
Together for Patient Safety,
The CWG
| | Patient Safety & Incident Management | | |
The PSIM has been in a bit of a hiatus with the departure of Ioana, who was a driving force behind this project. We are still seeking opportunities to present this program to interested parties. Suggestions of contacts to approach to offer the workshop to would be most welcome.
Patient Safety and Incident Management Group
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The Membership Working Group (MWG) met last month to have a discussion about better engaging with our current members, and increasing our reach across the country. We have been exchanging ideas and look forward to sharing them with you soon! Do you have ideas for the Membership Working Group? Let us know at hello@patients4safety.ca
Membership Working Group
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HeART of HealthCARE Gallery Coming Soon--There will be new additions to the AMR Gallery. Please check it out and share widely. As a reminder, images from the Galleries can be added as a compliment to your presentations. The AMR Gallery will have a name change to highlight prevention of infections, AMR and sepsis. If you know of artists who might want to contribute to any one our many galleries please encourage them to contact PFPSC.
Samaria and Kim
HeART of HeathCARE Virtual Gallery
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Shalini Periyalwar
This year marks 40 years since I made Canada my home. I’m a proud mother of two and grandmother of four entertaining little people. I love exploring near and far, reading, and periodically tending to my garden. Professionally, I’m an electrical engineer with a doctorate degree and proudly wear my iron ring. Over my 30+ year career in telecommunications, I’ve thrived on innovation, thinking outside the box, and bridging the communication between diverse teams working toward shared goals.
I view my life in 3 phases of approximately 3 decades each- the common theme through these phases is commitment to things that give me meaning and purpose. As I transition into phase three, I've decided to focus on my core priorities: family and health, as well as to channel my time and energy into a targeted volunteer opportunity, for which I chose Patients for Patient Safety Canada. My past volunteer efforts — from championing retention of education funding for a beloved school to improving public awareness of emergency vehicles' right-of-way on the crowded streets of my birthplace Bengaluru, India — reflect my belief in advocacy and action, and in the power of collaboration.
My experiences navigating the healthcare system for loved ones — from excellent and inspiring to deeply frustrating — revealed how often patients and caregivers struggle to have their voices heard in some critical situations. It is when the patient and caregivers are in their most vulnerable and fraught emotional state that they also have to be super vigilant in advocating for themselves, and sometimes drawing on their remaining energy to comprehend and work with the healthcare system that is meant to serve them. I’m drawn to PFPSC because it fills a vital gap in promoting accountability and patient-centered care. I’m looking forward to contributing to PFPSC in meaningful ways.
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Welcome Back, Janet Bradshaw!
We’re thrilled to welcome Janet Bradshaw back to PFPSC as Manager, Operations & Programs. Janet’s connection to PFPSC runs deep—she first supported the organization in 2014 while working with the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), and continued to champion our mission until PFPSC became an independent organization.
After retiring in January, Janet was invited to return—and she didn’t hesitate. “I jumped at the chance,” she says, reflecting her enduring commitment to patient safety and the PFPSC community.
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Janet has spent her life rooted in the community she loves. She’s a proud mother of five sons and grandmother to five grandchildren—three boys and two girls—ranging in age from 6 to 10. Her family brings her joy and keeps her grounded.
Professionally, Janet brings a wealth of experience from her decade-long career in healthcare, including her time at CPSI and Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC). Prior to that, she worked with the licensing body for pharmacists and pharmacies in Alberta, giving her a broad perspective on healthcare systems and safety.
“The stories of PFPSC members have touched me deeply,” Janet shares. “I’m happy to be able to continue supporting you.”
We’re grateful to have Janet’s leadership, compassion, and expertise back with us. Her return marks a meaningful chapter in PFPSC’s journey, and we look forward to the impact she’ll continue to make.
| | | We will feature 2-3 member profiles in each newsletter to get to know each other better. Please send your profile and picture to hello@patients4safety.ca | |
What Our Members Are Up To
| | How Our Members Contribute to Safer Healthcare | | |
Ottawa meeting with Parliamentarians
On Oct 22, Kim Neudorf had the privilege of joining IPAC Canada to attend their Hill Day. She represented PFPSC on issues related to public awareness of prevention of infection, healthcare associated infections, sepsis and AMR. Small groups met with MPs or policy advisors for half hour meetings. In typical PFPSC style each meeting started with a short story that had financial and psychological costs built in. It was impactful, but there are many competing priorities.
| | Linda Hughes and Joni Magill will be presenting at a webinar Teaming for Safety hosted by IPAC during CSPW on Oct 29 1030 PT, 1130 MT/SK, 1230 CT, 1330 ET, 1430 AT, 1500 NL Link to register | | Do you have contributions you'd like to highlight for the next newsletter? Please reach out to hello@patients4safety.ca | | Opportunities for Members | | The Nocturnists are seeking stories that illuminate the realities of trust and mistrust in medicine from both patients and clinicians. They are accepting stories until Oct 31. To submit your story complete this form Call for Stories: Trust in Medicine - Airtable | |
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Our next all member meeting is on Oct 28, 2025. We are offering two time slots to accommodate member schedules as best we can: 1000-1100 MT and 5:00-6:00 MT. Join the meeting that works best for your schedule. If you need the invite please contact Janet at hello@patients4safety.ca.
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Canadian Patient Safety Week is Oct 27-31 Theme is All Voices for Safer Care
- Antimicrobial Awareness Week Nov 18-24. Meetings are underway with the National Coordinating Center for Infectious Disease. The WHO theme is Act: Now: Protect our Present, Secure our Future.
- Pressure Injury Day Nov 20, 2025
NATIONAL FORUM ON SEPSIS: NOVEMBER 6, 2025.
2025 END SEPSIS National Forum on Sepsis will be livestreamed worldwide on November 6, 2025. Hospital leaders, clinicians, policymakers, and innovators will explore how new legislation, CMS policy, and breakthrough diagnostic tools are reshaping sepsis care. Hear insights from Congress, CDC, CMS, healthcare leaders, and leading innovators.
Register now at endsepsisforum.org to receive updates.
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW).
Nov 18-24, 2025
I hope you will become actively involved in promoting this campaign. PFPSC participates with https://amraware.ca/ to develop the campaign and push messages out. The theme and key messages have not yet been developed, so stay tuned! The WHO theme is Act Now: Protect our Present, Secure the Future, which draws attention to the current urgency of medications like antibiotics being ineffective in the treatment of some stubborn infections, and our shared responsibility in improving this scenario. We are actively preparing a story of a patient's experience with C.difficile for the campaign. On Nov 24 you can light up your home with a light blue bulb, or dress in blue to draw attention to the importance of appropriate antimicrobial use.
Kim
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Sepsis: What patients need to know
Alison Fox-Robichaud MSc, MD, FRCPC
Hamilton Health Sciences Chair in Sepsis Research, McMaster University
Scientific Director, Sepsis Canada
President, Canadian Sepsis Foundation
afoxrob@mcmaster.ca
Sepsis is the life-threatening disease associated with infections. When some individuals get an infection, their body will develop an abnormal immune and coagulation response that results in organ (lungs, kidneys, brain, heart, etc.) dysfunction. Sepsis can occur at any age but is more common in the very young or very old, individuals with chronic health conditions, or those with a poor immune system. Any infection may lead to sepsis, but pneumonia, urinary tract and skin wounds are amongst the leading causes. In Canada, sepsis is the third leading cause of death and costs the Canadian health care system approximately $2 billion per year. Unfortunately, sepsis remains a disease with a very high mortality, 20-25% for those who require intensive care unit admission, and survivors of sepsis can face additional health care issues.
Up to 80% of cases of sepsis begin in the community, meaning the first contact with a health care professional is often the family health team or the emergency department. Symptoms of sepsis may include generalized pain, nausea and feeling dizzy. The clinical signs of infection can include fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing rate but also signs of organ dysfunction including confusion or altered level of consciousness, reduced oxygen saturation, low blood pressure, reduced kidney function and low platelets (clotting cells).
Infections that occur in a health care setting are another serious cause of sepsis. While pneumonia, often due to swallowing difficulties, is a common cause, it can also be infections of tubes, lines and surgical sites that causes hospital-associated sepsis. It is important that the health care team and patients keep these as clean as possible. This begins with good hand hygiene (before AND after patient contact) but also standard protocols that includes inserting using sterile techniques, dressings that protect from infection, and use of securement devices or locking solutions. Central lines, surgical drains or urinary catheters should be removed as soon as possible. Patients can help prevent infections by having daily baths and if wearing clothes from home, changing these daily.
Irrespective of whether sepsis develops from a community-acquired or hospital-acquired infection, timely recognition is crucial. Unfortunately, there is currently no standard test that can distinguish infection from sepsis. Patients who have an infection should have their vital signs monitored and seek medical attention if abnormal. There is evidence that cumulative abnormal vital signs, often put into an early warning score, is an appropriate tool to recognize patients who may be developing sepsis. Additional signs, such as poor capillary refill, skin mottling and rising lactate (a measure of acid production in the blood) may also help in the early diagnosis.
Sepsis is a medical emergency. Patients who get sepsis can become very sick very quickly. They may require admission to an intensive care unit and placed on life support for failing organs. This can include support breathing, blood pressure and dialysis. Timely recognition and treatment of sepsis is of the essence. The international guidelines state that if sepsis is definite and a bacterial infection is probable, antibiotics should be administered within 1 hour. Patients may need litres of intravenous fluids to support the blood pressure and kidney function and should be monitored closely.
Prevention of infections is key to reducing the outcomes from sepsis. Up to date vaccination is an important first step. Keeping wounds clean, having a healthy diet and seeing a health care professional regularly for chronic diseases also help to reduce infections. With the overuse of antibiotics for some infections, bacteria have developed resistance to common antibiotics. Globally, antimicrobial resistant bacteria now account for nearly 13% of deaths due to sepsis. Keeping track of previous infections that require antibiotics, or antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections can help the health care team to choose the correct antibiotics. Finally, if you or your loved one is seeking medical attention due to an infection you should ask the health care provider "Could this be sepsis?"
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