WHO call for health safety research

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for an improvement in patient safety on a global scale.

WHO estimates that tens of millions of people worldwide endure disabling injuries, and even death, as a result of unsafe medical practices and is calling for researchers and policy-makers to address the issue.

Much of the existing research is currently focused on the developed world. However WHO says that there is evidence to suggest that developing nations also have problems with unsafe medical care.

"Research in patient safety offers all WHO Member States a major innovative resource to assist their hospitals in avoiding harm from medical care and ensure that health care reduces patient suffering and does not contribute to it," said Sir Liam Donaldson, chief medical officer for England, who chairs the WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety.

"European countries now have the opportunity to translate research findings into tangible actions that can actually save lives."

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