It is World Patient Safety Day on Wednesday, 17 September with this year’s theme based on safe care for every newborn and every child.
The aim of this year’s event, an annual global campaign run by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is to highlight the particular vulnerability of newborns and young children to patient safety risks due to their rapid development, evolving health needs and the different ways that diseases affect them.
We are proud to support the ICON Cope campaign, which provides vital guidance to parents and carers on how to safely manage infant crying.
The aims of the campaign are closely aligned to the objectives and messages of this year’s World Patient Safety Day, and are a key part of promoting the safety of newborns and young children.
The ICON programme is built around a simple, evidence-based acronym:
I – Infant crying is normal and will eventually stop – babies often begin to cry more frequently around two weeks of age, peaking between six to eight weeks.
C – Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby, and the crying will cease.
O – It’s OK to walk away for a few minutes if you have ensured the baby’s safety and the crying is overwhelming.
N – Never shake or hurt a baby.
To help families prepare for moments of intense crying, the ICON website offers a downloadable Crying Plan filled with practical advice and reassurance.
In Hertfordshire and west Essex, more than 2,000 professionals including midwives, health visitors, social workers and family support workers have been trained on ICON. These experts are available to offer support and guidance whenever it is needed.
More information about World Patient Safety Day can be found on the WHO website.