Surgical Safety Checklist

Saskatchewan is making surgical care safer for patients. Health regions are working toward universal implementation of surgical safety checklists in all hospital operating rooms by the end of 2010-11. (See Related Links below.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) champions use of the surgical checklist through its Safe Surgery Saves Lives program. Health care sites around the world have successfully demonstrated that use of the surgical checklist can significantly improve patient safety. The WHO encourages modification and adaption of the surgical safety checklist to fit with local practice.