Ireland is placing patient-centred care, safer treatment and long-term support at the heart of World Patient Safety Day 2026. Ministers for Health and Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Kenna have highlighted the importance of protecting people living with chronic illnesses, while welcoming Ireland’s role as host of a major global healthcare quality conference.
The Department of Health marked World Patient Safety Day on 17 September, the annual World Health Organization (WHO) observance designed to make healthcare safety a global priority. This year’s theme is “Safe Care for noncommunicable diseases”, supported by the slogan “Safe Care for Life!”
Patient Safety Focused on Long-Term Conditions
Noncommunicable diseases include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions. These illnesses can affect people at any age and often require repeated contact with hospitals, GPs, community services and other healthcare providers.
The ministers said safe care must involve more than a single appointment. It should include clear information, shared decision-making, continuity between services and meaningful use of patients’ experiences. These principles are particularly important for older people and those managing more than one chronic condition.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also pointed to Ireland’s first Sepsis Strategy, launched with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and patient advocates. The strategy demonstrates how collaboration between patients, families and healthcare professionals can strengthen outcomes and reduce avoidable risks.
Mental Health and Patient Experience
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler emphasised listening, early intervention and timely access to community-based supports. She said the experiences of people with lived and living experience should help shape compassionate mental health services and recovery pathways.
For older people, Minister Kieran O’Donnell stressed the need for coordinated health and social care that supports independence and enables people to remain in their communities for as long as possible.
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Building Safer Healthcare Systems
Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Kenna said patient safety systems should combine clinical standards, reliable guidance, learning from data and open responses when incidents occur. Listening to patients and supporting safe working environments for staff are also central to reducing harm.
The WHO established World Patient Safety Day in 2019 to increase public engagement, strengthen understanding and encourage action across health systems. Its Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2019–2030 provides an international framework for eliminating avoidable harm.
The Department of Health noted that the WHO estimates one in 10 patients experiences harm during healthcare globally, with around half considered preventable. People with noncommunicable diseases may face added exposure because of ongoing treatment and frequent interactions with health services.
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ISQua 2026 Conference in Ireland
From 27 to 30 September 2026, Ireland will host the ISQua International Conference in partnership with the Department of Health and the HSE. The event is expected to welcome more than 1,400 healthcare professionals and experts from over 80 countries.
Under the theme “Thriving Through Compassion and Community: Sharing Stories for the Future of Health Systems”, delegates will exchange ideas on healthcare quality, person-centred care and patient safety.
Ireland also improved its position from seventh to fourth in the Imperial College London Global State of Patient Safety 2025 report, according to the Department of Health.
What World Patient Safety Day Means for Patients
- Patients should receive clear information about treatment and risks.
- Care should be coordinated across hospitals, community services and other providers.
- Patient experiences should inform service improvements.
- Healthcare organisations should learn openly from incidents.
Key takeaway: World Patient Safety Day 2026 reinforces that safe care is a shared responsibility. For Ireland, the focus on noncommunicable diseases highlights the need for reliable, compassionate and joined-up services throughout a patient’s lifetime.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie