World Patient Safety Day: Putting babies and children at the centre of safe care

17 September 2025

The Clinical Excellence Commission (CEC), the state’s lead agency for clinical governance and safety assurance across NSW, is shining a spotlight on safe care for babies and children this World Patient Safety Day, 17 September 2025.

A World Health Organization initiative, this year’s theme is "Safe care for every newborn and every child", highlighting the importance of continuous safety improvements in paediatric and neonatal care.

In July, the CEC launched Worried they are getting worse?, a proactive tool to recognise and respond to parent, family and carer concerns.

The tool empowers parents, carers, and families to speak up when they feel a child’s condition may be deteriorating, starting with a simple but powerful question from NSW Health staff: “Are you worried they are getting worse?”

It recognises that families are vital members of the care team and often the first to notice subtle changes in a child’s health and ensures their concerns are heard and acted upon early - supporting timely intervention, better outcomes, and safer care experiences.

Resources are available to help you implement the tool and support families and caregivers, including a fact sheet, a translation guide, and an explainer video.

Access resources for clinicians, and resources for patients, carers and families.