A staff member corrected discharge instructions, a team member prevented a medication error and another employee saved a mother’s life. These are the critical times when UF Health staff members stepped up, intervened and prevented potential harm to our patients. These are Great Catches.

Each year during Patient Safety and Quality Week, or PSQW, we honor our Great Catches Award winners and thank them for ensuring our patients receive safe, high-quality care. Our second annual Heroes Recognition Dinner acknowledged many individuals and teams.

“We celebrate those who identify when something isn’t going well to help us improve and learn,” said Ed Jimenez, UF Health Shands CEO. “It shows they love what they do and are committed to those they serve.”
The PSQW events in March engaged UF Health faculty, staff, students, patients and volunteers in safety and quality initiatives with a series of fun, educational activities to encourage everyone to “Be a Safer Gator.”

Games, interactive patient safety displays, behind-the-scenes tours, a poster session and a dynamic keynote speaker reinforced safe practices, raised awareness and inspired participants.

Sponsored by the UF Health Sebastian Ferrero Office of Clinical Quality and Patient Safety, these efforts underlined our dedication to our patient care and quality mission and celebrated our progress.

“Health care is a team sport, and patient safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said Randy Harmatz, M.B.A., UF Health senior vice president and chief quality officer. “There are so many individuals and teams doing great and wonderful things — it’s important to honor those who are going above and beyond to protect our patients.”