IN A bid to enhance the quality of healthcare among hospital staff, patients and the public, the Gleneagles Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) launched a Quality Week programme, yesterday.

Themed "Safety is my priority", the programme is the first ever being held in the country.

Attended as the guest of honour at the launching ceremony was Dr Zulaidi Hj Abd Latif, the newly appointed member of Glenealges JPMC's Quality Assurance Committee.

In his key address titled "Clinical Quality", Dr Patrick Ang chairman of Quality Assurance Committee said that "healthcare is more hazardous than mountain climbing or bungee jumping"."Patients and non-patients alike are becoming more educated and demanding for better healthcare at lower cost. Litigation is on rise against bad quality healthcare in hospitals.

"Therefore this programme is a significant initiative on what can be done to improve healthcare quality among the hospital staff, patients and the public," he added.

He said that the 21st century Healthcare System has six main aims which include safety, timely, effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centred and equitability.

A talk titled "Infection Control- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Waste Management" was presented by Dr Terence Chin, chairman of Infection Control Committee.

"Waste management is often neglected and overlooked. Hospitals produced approximately two million tonnes of solid waste per year. Of this total amount 10 to 15 per cent is categorised as infectious," he said.

He pointed out that segregation was one of the keys to waste management and the usage of proper PPE provides physical barricade between micro-organisms and the wearers from hands, eyes, clothing, hair and shoes contamination.

PPE include hand gloves, protective eye gear (goggles), masks or respirators, aprons, gowns, boots or shoe covers, and cap or hair covers.

"PPE is to protect medical staff from exposure to infectious diseases from your healthcare workplace."

An open question and answer session followed right after the talk giving the staff and invited guests the opportunities to get clarification on issues pertaining to healthcare.

The first day of the Quality Week programme concluded with the demonstration of PPE to the guest of honour as well as for the present guests by the appointed Gleneagles staff.

The Quality Week programme which run until October 9, will include a hand-washing campaign for the hospital medical staff, patients and the public as well as quizzes.