Canadian Patient Safety Week 2025: All voices for safer care
October 24, 2025 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 2:00
Caption
A Canadian Armed Forces medical member speaks with a patient during a health support activity. This interaction reflects the commitment of the Canadian Forces Health Services to patient-centred care, where listening and communication are essential to ensuring safe and high-quality healthcare.
Patient safety is a cornerstone of quality healthcare. From October 27–31, Canadian Patient Safety Week(CPSW) marks 20 years dedicated to improving safety in healthcare. This year’s theme, “All Voices for Safer Care,” highlights the importance of listening to everyone involved in care — patients, families, healthcare providers, and support teams — to build a safer, more responsive health system together.
At the Canadian Forces Health Services (CFHS), patient safety is essential. Whether at a base Health Services Centre, a field hospital, aircraft, ship, or a civilian facility, military members deserve healthcare that is safe, respectful, and reliable.
Patient safety means more than avoiding harm. It’s about building trust, understanding diverse needs, and creating systems that adapt to challenges. CPSW promotes a proactive approach to preventing risks before they happen.
To strengthen trust and dialogue, CFHS will be introducing Quality, Patient Safety, and Accreditation Committees(QPSAC)and Person Partners & Family Advisory Committees (PP&FAC) at Health Services Centres. These groups will empower patients, families, and chain-of-command representatives to help shape quality care. Watch for volunteer opportunities at your local base or wing.
What safer care looks like
- Understanding that patient safety is everyone’s responsibility – not just healthcare professionals.
- Supporting teams through collaboration and coaching.
- Identifying risks early.
- Ensuring all voices - especially patients and families – are heard.
Real stories, real impact
Healthcare Excellence Canada will share stories during CPSW that show how people across the country are making care safer every day. These stories remind us that listening and acting together, creates lasting change.
How you can get involved
Look out for events, webinars, and committee opportunities at your local Health Services Centre. Whether you're a patient, family member, or healthcare worker — your voice matters.
Canadian Armed Forces members can also submit feedback about their care any time through the Patient Care Feedback Tool (PCFT) or the Patient Complaint Submission Form. You can also submit feedback via the CFHS webpage (accessible only on the National Defence network). For more information, please visit the CAF Member Health Services Complaints webpage.
The bottom line
Safer care does not happen by chance. It is built together through awareness, teamwork, and a commitment to listening. This Canadian Patient Safety Week let’s move beyond being “just lucky” and work toward making safety a visible, intentional part of every healthcare experience.