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World Patient Safety Day 2026

This year we are marking the World Health Organisations’ (WHO) World Patient Safety Day, 17 September 2026, which focuses on “safe care for noncommunicable diseases”.

Paula Bradley, PCC Board Member and Chair of the Policy and Influence Committee, writes:

"Noncommunicable diseases are long-term conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, that can affect people of all ages and often require ongoing care throughout life. WHO are calling for multisectoral and multi-stakeholder action to ensure that no one is harmed while receiving care for noncommunicable diseases. The WHO outlines clearly that people living with noncommunicable diseases must be partners in safe care.

Safety risks can happen at any stage of a person’s care. People living with noncommunicable diseases are particularly vulnerable because they often need ongoing care, treatment, and regular contact with Health and Social Care. With some conditions, such as cancer, up to 1 in 3 patients experience adverse events during their care.

Independent Advocacy can support people who are vulnerable. It can help people to speak up to ensure their views and wishes are heard, their rights are respected and taken seriously and they remain connected and engaged in their treatment. It is clear to us that standardised and regional independent advocacy support is crucial to assist people to raise issues and concerns with their care and to support quality, safety, good governance and independent assurance within Health and Social Care. PCC have explored this further in our recent Advocacy Thought Paper."

Read the Thought Paper here: PCC Thought Paper - Advocacy: A Call to Action 

"Independent advocacy and a relationship-based approach can improve satisfaction, reduce stress and can also provide savings for our health and social care system by addressing issues and concerns early and ensuring people remain engaged with their care.

PCC’s vision is for a health and social care service that is actively shaped by the needs and experiences of the public using a people as partners approach. By listening to the public and partnering with them, we can help to reduce harm, delivery safer and more effective care."

Read the key recommendations here: People to Partners – Developing a Unique Approach for Northern Ireland



Tags: PCC PCC BLOG By PCC at 09/17/2026

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