A HALESOWEN hospital has committed to safeguarding its patients after signing up to a new safety initiative.

West Midlands Hospital is part of Ramsay Health Care UK which has launched the Speaking Up for Safety (SUFS) programme to encourage staff to challenge anyone, including senior colleagues, who may be putting patients at risk with their behaviour.

Elements of the scheme, which is being run in partnership with the Cognitive Institute, include graded assertiveness training for all staff and a feedback platform for staff to report both positive and negative experiences, all of which equip staff with the confidence to speak up for safety.

Dr Andy Jones, CEO, Ramsay Health Care UK, said: “We are thrilled to be leading the way in the UK as the first hospital group to introduce the programme and are proud to have an excellent team supporting the initiative.

“We are committed to providing the highest levels of safety across the hospitals and protecting our patients and staff to the greatest standard.”