We coordinate and develop client and patient safety on a national level
We coordinate the development, planning, monitoring and evaluation of client and patient safety.
We produce operating models, new tools and recommendations for wellbeing services counties, professionals, clients, and patients.
We cooperate with everyone, openly sharing information and results.
Our operations are guided, monitored and evaluated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety
The Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia continues the work that was started in the 21st century for the benefit of patient safety.
In 2019, in accordance with the goal set by the Vaasa Hospital District Council, a patient safety competence centre was established, which was named the Patient and Client Safety Development Centre.
In May 2020, Vaasa Hospital District was given a three-year state grant to start the centre’s operations.
In January 2021, the Government confirmed in a regulation on the centralisation of specialised healthcare, that Vaasa Hospital District (now the wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia) is responsible for tasks concerning the national coordination of the development and planning of client and patient safety (https://finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2021/20210008).
In December 2021, the name was changed to the Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety.
Our values
- Transparency
- Trustworthiness
- Respect
The Client and Patient Safety Strategy
On 24 February, 2022, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health published the latest Client and patient safety strategy and implementation plan 2022-2026.
The vision is that Finland will be a model country for client and patient safety in 2026 – we will avoid avoidable harm. The vision, mission and strategic indicators of success have been derived from the Global Patient Safety Action Plan for 2021–2030 that has been published by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO Action Plan aims to achieve significant reductions in avoidable harm within healthcare, strengthen national structures contributing to safety, increase patient and family engagement, and improve knowledge management to promote safety.
Although the Action Plan does not recognise the concept of social welfare clients, which
is characteristic of the Finnish system, many of its key strategic objectives can also be
applied to promoting client safety.
Finnish healthcare and social welfare system and responsibilities
Finland’s healthcare and social welfare system is founded on public healthcare and social welfare services supported by government funds.
Responsible agencies – Ministry of Social Affairs and Health