Vows from new head of Hong Kong Hospital Authority to promote an environment that encourages hospital staff to openly communicate and express concerns
New Chief of Hong Kong's Public Hospitals Promotes "Speak-Up" Culture for Enhanced Patient Safety
Dr. Libby Lee Ha-yun, the new chief executive of the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong, is spearheading a significant cultural shift in the city's public hospitals. Her mission is to foster a "speak-up" culture, encouraging staff to voice their concerns and opinions freely, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient safety and the overall quality of healthcare services[1][2][3].
At the heart of Dr. Lee's strategy is the creation of a daily meeting format where staff can feel safe to speak up. This open and transparent system of discussion is underpinned by evidence-based discussions and the acceptance of logical arguments, even when differences of opinion arise[1][4]. By fostering trust among staff and ensuring no punitive actions will follow when concerns are raised, Dr. Lee aims to build a culture where issues and risks can be identified and addressed proactively[1][4].
Dr. Lee also places a strong emphasis on patient involvement in service planning. She plans to engage more with patient groups to better incorporate patient perspectives and enhance services[1][4]. Furthermore, she intends to leverage technology and process reforms to improve hospital workflows, thereby supporting better operating conditions that complement this speak-up environment. This includes streamlining patient appointment times and reviewing outpatient clinic workflows[4].
In summary, Dr. Lee’s approach includes:
- Creating daily meeting formats where staff feel safe to speak up, supported by transparent and evidence-based discussions.
- Building trust that no punitive actions will follow when concerns are raised.
- Encouraging open dialogue with logical arguments and accepting differences of opinion.
- Increasing patient involvement in service planning.
- Enhancing hospital processes and technology to improve operating flow and patient experience, which supports a safer environment for staff to raise issues.
By promoting a "speak-up" culture, Dr. Lee hopes that one day no one in the organization will need to be a whistleblower. Her efforts are aimed at fostering a culture where concerns are voiced openly, issues are addressed promptly, and patient safety is prioritized[1][4].
Dr. Libby Lee Ha-yun started her term as the Hospital Authority's chief executive at the start of the month, and while she did not specify any timeline for these changes, her vision for a safer and more patient-centric healthcare system in Hong Kong's public hospitals is already making waves in the industry.
[1] South China Morning Post. (2022, January 1). New Hospital Authority chief Dr Libby Lee promises to improve patient safety. Retrieved from https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3151116/new-hospital-authority-chief-dr-libby-lee
[2] Radio Television Hong Kong. (2022, January 3). New Hospital Authority chief Dr Libby Lee Ha-yun pledges to boost patient safety. Retrieved from https://www.rthk.hk/rthk/en/programme/2022-01-03/newsroom/641845
[3] The Standard. (2022, January 1). New Hospital Authority chief Dr Libby Lee Ha-yun vows to boost patient safety. Retrieved from https://www.standard.net.hk/news/hong-kong/new-hospital-authority-chief-dr-libby-lee-ha-yun-vows-to-boost-patient-safety-a6631191.html
[4] Hospital Authority. (2022). Speak-up Culture. Retrieved from https://www.ha.org.hk/english/about/speakupculture.htm
- Dr. Lee's focus on a "speak-up" culture extends beyond patient safety, as she also aims to prioritize mental health in the workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness of hospital staff.
- This proactive approach to mental health could foster an environment that empowers individuals to openly discuss their feelings and concerns, thus enhancing their overall well-being.
- By addressing the mental health needs of staff, Dr. Lee believes this could lead to a reduction in workplace stress, improving the quality of care provided to patients as well as increasing job satisfaction among employees.
