Safe Care for Life: Bend Surgery Center Marks World Patient Safety Day 2026

At Bend Surgery Center, patient safety guides everything we do. Each September 17, we join healthcare organizations around the world in recognizing World Patient Safety Day, led by the World Health Organization (WHO). This year's campaign, "Safe Care for Life!", shines a light on people living with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), the long-term conditions that so many of our patients manage every day.

What Are Noncommunicable Diseases?

NCDs are chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease. They can affect people of any age, and they often require ongoing care over many years. According to WHO, NCDs account for 74% of deaths worldwide.

Why Patient Safety Matters for People with Chronic Conditions

Globally, 1 in 10 patients is harmed while receiving health care, and about half of that harm is preventable. People living with NCDs face a higher risk because of the long-term nature of their conditions, their ongoing treatment needs, and the many interactions they have with the health system over time. For some conditions, such as cancer, up to 1 in 3 patients experience an adverse event during care. And many people live with more than one chronic condition, which adds complexity and risk.

That's why this year's campaign calls for safety at every step of the journey: from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management, whether care happens in a clinic, a surgery center, or at home.

Safe Care at Every Step

Many of the patients we serve are managing a chronic condition alongside the procedure that brings them to us. Here's how we put this year's theme into practice at Bend Surgery Center:

• Prevention and early detection. Screening procedures like colonoscopy are among the most effective tools for catching disease early, when it's most treatable. Staying current on recommended screenings is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health.
• A complete picture before your procedure. Our team reviews your health history, current conditions, and medications ahead of time so we can plan care that's safe for you.
• Medication safety. We confirm your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and give you clear guidance on what to take, pause, or adjust before and after your procedure.
• Safe transitions. Handoffs between providers and the move from our center back home are moments when important details can slip through the cracks. We provide clear discharge instructions, coordinate with your referring provider, and make sure you know who to call if something doesn't feel right.

Your Role: Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Stay Safe.

WHO's message to patients and caregivers this year is simple: you are an essential partner in your own safety. Here are a few ways to put that into action:

• Don't skip prevention. Keep up with recommended screenings, and seek care early if you notice warning signs.
• Know your condition and your medications. Understand your diagnosis, tests, and treatments, and double-check your medication list at every visit.
• Speak up. Ask questions, confirm that you understand the plan, and let us know if you have concerns or notice something that seems off.
• Be your own "information officer." Keep an up-to-date record of your medications, test results, and appointments, and bring it with you. A note on your phone or your patient portal works great.
• Follow up on results. No news isn't always good news. If you haven't heard about a test result, reach out.
• Know your warning signs. Before you head home, make sure you know which symptoms need attention and exactly who to contact.

Safe Care for Life, Together

Safety isn't a single moment. It's a commitment that follows you through every stage of care. At Bend Surgery Center, we're proud to partner with our patients, their families, and providers across Central Oregon to make every visit as safe as possible. This World Patient Safety Day, we renew that commitment: safe care, for life.

Have questions about an upcoming procedure? Visit our What to Expect page or call us at 541-318-0858.

For more information on World Patient Safety Day 2026, visit the World Health Organization's website here.