39 College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland | Annual Report 2020
Quality and Safety Advisory Committee Dr Deirdre M McCoy, Chair, Quality and Safety Advisory Committee 2021
It was my pleasure to take over as chair of The Quality and Safety Advisory Committee in Autumn 2020. The committee continues to build on the foundations laid by Professor Kevin Clarkson, Professor Gerard Fitzpatrick and CAI President, Dr Brian Kinirons, who, by recognising and profiling the importance of the patient safety and quality agenda that defines our profession and our specialty, led the impetus towards its integration with all aspects of CAI education and training. The remit of QSAC, to promote and strengthen patient safety and quality of care, closely aligns therefore with primary CAI functions; education and training of anaesthesiologists, intensivists and pain physicians in the provision of safe, high quality, evidence-based patient care. “Promoting excellence in patient safety and quality of care is our number one strategic objective. We are committed to strengthening the safety aspect of our healthcare system using science, evidence and knowledge generated from research and incorporating that into plans, policies and practices” KC 2018 During 2020 the committee met on four occasions chaired by Professor Kevin Clarkson. Director of Patient Safety, Dr Barry Lyons, was appointed in early 2020. Patient Safety initiatives planned include development of an online patient safety and quality module, national audit, and, provision of quality improvement resources for trainees and consultants. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (medicines and medical devices) is represented on the committee by Dr James Gilroy. The National Clinical Programme for Anaesthesia is represented by Dr John Cahill, Dr Jeremy Smith and Ms Aileen O’Brien. A CAI Sustainability Committee established in June 2020, is chaired by Dr Dónal Ó’Cróinín and reports to QSAC. The November 2020 CAI QSAC meeting welcomed The Committee of Anaesthesia Trainees’ representative Dr Eimear Keane who replaced Dr Tim Keady. Professor Gerard Fitzpatrick chairs the Forum of Postgraduate bodies Quality and Risk Subcommittee and is the CAI link with the Health Information and Quality Authority, the State Claims Agency, the National Patient Safety Office, and the HSE Quality Improvement Division.
QUALITY AND SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Salus Dum Vigilamus. Salus Semper.
