BC health regulators launch unprecedented campaign to say "our purpose, your safety"
VANCOUVER, Sept. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Colleges that regulate over 100,000 licensed health professionals in BC have come together to launch "our purpose, your safety," a campaign designed to raise awareness not only about the role Colleges play in patient and client safety, but also which professions are regulated, why it's important to choose a regulated health provider, and what can be done if patients have concerns about the care they receive.
"British Columbia's health regulators protect patients by ensuring consistent standards for regulated health professionals - from nurses and physicians to audiologists and dietitians," says Minister of Health Terry Lake. "This awareness campaign will help ensure that the public is aware of the important role BC's health regulatory colleges play in patient safety and our health care system."
Colleges ensure that their registered professionals practise safely, ably and ethically. By setting and enforcing standards of practice, Colleges ensure that British Columbians can count on their health professional to deliver safe and acceptable care.
"Regulatory colleges exist for the protection of the public," says Dr. Heidi Oetter, Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC. "We make sure that anyone who uses the designation of any of the more than 20 regulated health professions is registered with their respective college and meets all of the required conditions."
These conditions include graduation from a recognized school and successfully completing a rigorous examination process before being granted the privilege to practice. Health professionals must also complete criminal record checks, provide proof of good character, renew their registration each year and keep their skills and knowledge up to date. That is why it is so important that British Columbians ensure their health professional is indeed registered and licensed.
"Health professionals are dedicated to their patients' wellbeing," says Oetter. "But if there is a concern, patients need to know they can come to us. All complaints are investigated, and may lead to remedial or in some cases, disciplinary action. This campaign is about letting the public know that we're here for them."
The campaign launches September 16 and includes bus shelter and newspaper advertising, a website in ten languages (www.bchealthregulators.ca) and select television spots. It is the first campaign of this nature ever carried out in British Columbia.
SOURCE: BC Health Regulators
For further information:
Media Contacts:
Anita Wilks
College of Dental Surgeons of BC
604.561.5125
Mykle Ludvigsen
College of Pharmacists of BC
604.676.2404
Susan Prins
College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC
606.694.6129 or [email protected]
Francine Gaudet
College of Registered Nurses of BC
604.736.7331 x323
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