September 17 marks World Patient Safety Day, a global initiative led by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness and promote actions that keep patients safe.
This year’s theme, “Safe care for newborns and children”, is especially meaningful for Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) as we continue to strengthen the way we care for our youngest patients.
Newborns and children face higher risks due to their rapid development, evolving health needs and different disease patterns. A single safety incident can have lifelong consequences for a child’s health and development.
That’s why this year’s World Patient Safety Day slogan “Patient safety from the start!” emphasises the need to adapt care to children’s age, size and circumstances, and act early to prevent harm.
At AWH, we’re taking action to make care safer for children. Here are two recent examples:
A dedicated paediatric Emergency Department
AWH recently opened a dedicated paediatric area in our Albury Emergency Department (ED). For families, that means when a child needs urgent care, they are welcomed into a space designed especially for them.
Lindsay Nichol, Operations Manager - Emergency and Critical Care at AWH, said it is a huge step in advancing the care we give through our emergency department.
“The new paediatric area allows us to have a dedicated waiting area, treatment rooms, equipment, distraction tools and a clear focus on the unique needs of children and their families,” said Lindsay.
Bright colours, child-friendly features and resources like colouring-in, toys and stickers help put children at ease.
“We know that coming to hospital can be scary for kids,” said Lindsay. “Having their own space, which we’ve tried to make as friendly and welcoming as possible, helps reduce stress for both children and families.”
A recent case demonstrates how the paediatric ED is making a difference:
A timid child with abdominal pain was triaged straight into the paediatric space. Met by a nurse in Bluey scrubs and a bright yellow cubicle decorated with stickers, the conversation quickly turned to their favourite Bluey episodes and colouring in.
“Within minutes, the child and parents relaxed, and we were able to calmly explain what would happen next. That first interaction builds trust and helps us provide safer, more effective care.”
The new ED not only benefits children and families, but also staff.
“It allows our staff further focused care on the paediatric population. We also see it as an attractive place to work, which supports staff satisfaction, wellbeing and recruitment,” Lindsay added.
New observation charts for children
Another important step forward has been the introduction of updated paediatric observation charts across the hospital. These are evidence-based, colour-coded tools that help staff recognise early warning signs if a child’s condition changes.
At AWH, staff use the Victorian Children’s Tool for Observation and Response (ViCTOR) for all patients aged 0–18. A 2023 review by Safer Care Victoria found delayed recognition of deterioration was the leading cause of preventable harm in hospitalised children in Victoria.
In response, the Victorian Minister for Health mandated the use of age-appropriate ViCTOR charts wherever paediatric vital signs are recorded.
The latest version of the chart, rolled out statewide from 1 September 2025, introduces an important new feature: parental concern as a vital sign.
“With every set of observations, nursing staff now ask parents or carers: ‘Are you worried your child is getting worse?’ If the answer is yes, this is documented and escalated. Parents know their children best, and their concerns must be taken seriously,” explained Danielle Hanlon, Paediatric Clinical Nurse Educator at AWH.
The new approach makes parental input central to care and ensures escalation happens promptly.
The charts also give staff confidence to escalate concerns based on colour-coded triggers, whether that means a clinical review or a rapid medical emergency response. They support less experienced staff while reinforcing consistent, high standards of care across departments including ED, paediatrics, ICU, theatres, day procedures, maternity and the special care nursery
“Patient safety in paediatrics means making sure every child receives safe and effective care at the right time and in the right place,” said Danielle. “Families are a vital part of that team, and true partnership ensures care is not only safe but also supportive and compassionate.”
Safe care is a team effort
Safe care for children is always a team effort. From doctors and nurses to coordinators and allied health staff, everyone plays a role -- and families are at the centre of that team.
By listening to parents, adapting care to children’s needs, and working together, AWH is helping put “Patient safety from the start!” into practice for every newborn and child in our community.
Learn more about World Patient Safety Day 2025.