Safety Coaches Dedicated to Keeping Patients Safe Posted on March 12, 2018 In celebration of #PatientSafetyWeek, we’re introducing you to a few of our safety coaches, who are trained to observe work behaviors and provide real-time feedback about practice and compliance with Connecticut Children’s safety behaviors and standards. Kristina Lawrence Why did you become a safety coach? I became a safety coach to promote change and safety throughout Connecticut Children’s! Being a safety coach helps keep patient families and team members safe. What do you enjoy most about this role? I enjoy knowing that we are impacting and making a difference at the medical center and satellite locations. I am making a difference and it shows! How do safety coaches help the hospital and staff meet critical quality and safety goals? Safety coaches look at safety from a global position. They benefit the hospital as a whole. Why is safety so important to our patients and families? Safety is not only important to our patients and families…it is an expectation. Share a fun fact! Zumba is my favorite past time activity. Abel Velez Why did you become a safety coach? Being a safety coach allows me to interact with my team members. By working together, we can keep everyone safe! Why is safety so important to our patients and families? It is important for all patients and families to feel that their care is being delivered in the safest and most professional way possible. No one dealing with illness should have to worry about anything other than getting better. Share a fun fact! I speak Spanish. Nancy Torres Why did you become a safety coach? I wanted to be a part of the safety culture at Connecticut Children’s! What do you enjoy most about this role? This role has helped me to improve my awareness of hospital safety compliance. I can also use safety behaviors to lead by example. How do safety coaches help the hospital and staff meet critical quality and safety goals? Safety coaches help the hospital and staff meet critical quality and safety goals through education, training, drills and observations. Why is safety so important to our patients and families? Safety is very important to our patients and families. At Connecticut Children’s safety is the number one priority. Patients and families want to come to an environment where they feel safe. Share a fun fact! I love karaoke but unfortunately I cannot sing! I have a karaoke system at home and always sing the same song at family gatherings. (Rata de Dos Patas/Spanish song) or “En mi Viejo San Juan.” Deborah Shalagan “I’ve been a nurse at the NICU West campus for 30 years. When there was a need for a safety coach from my unit, my manager thought to ask me. My entire nursing career I’ve always been involved one way or another with safety. As safety coaches we are the eyes and ears, working together keeping both our patients and team members safe.” Learn more about Connecticut Children’s patient safety & quality standards
