Every September 17, the world marks World Patient Safety Day. For 2025, the theme is “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, with the call, “Patient safety from the start!” It’s about protecting kids at their most fragile ages—from birth up to around 9 years old.
Doctors, nurses, and hospitals all play a role, but no one watches a child more closely than the parents. That’s why your voice matters most.
Questions parents should never be shy to ask
When your child is being treated, don’t just stay quiet. Ask. Speak. Make sure you understand what’s happening. These simple questions can make a big difference:
• Diagnosis — What exactly is wrong with my child?
• Treatment — What medicine or procedure are you giving, and why?
• Dosage — Is this the right dose for my child’s age and weight?
• Risks — What side effects should I watch out for?
• Infection safety — How do you make sure my child won’t catch germs here?
• Immunization — Is my child’s vaccine record complete and safe for their age?
• Next steps — What should I do if my child’s condition changes at home?
• Alternatives — Is there another safe option?
• Emergency plan — Who do I call and where do I go if things suddenly get worse?
More than a day
World Patient Safety Day reminds us: safety is a right, not a favor. This year’s theme shines a light on children, but the call goes beyond them—every patient, young or old, deserves safe care.
And it shouldn’t be remembered only once a year. Every visit, every check-up, every treatment is a chance to make health care safer.
Real patient safety begins when families speak up—not just on September 17, but every day.
ᴛʸᵖⁱⁿᵍ ᴏᵘᵗ ᵒᶠ ᵗʰᵉ ʙˡᵘᵉ ᵈᵃʳᵉᵐ ᵐᵘˢⁱᶜ ᵇˡᵒᵍ
World Patient Safety Day 2025: Safe Care from the Start
The spotlight this year is on children, with safety for every patient starting when parents ask the right questions.
