Aortic Dissection survivor to inspire
millions on World Patient Safety Day
~From our friends at Aortic Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland
[London, England] – In a powerful and inspiring testament to the strength of the
human spirit, Tony Southerden, survivor of a life-threatening acute
Aortic Dissection, has shared his harrowing story in a video released
by the global, patient-led THINK AORTA
campaign for World Health Organization [WHO] World Patient
Safety Day on 17th September.
Tony, who defied the odds and survived, despite initial misdiagnosis and delay
in recognising his acute Aortic Dissection, has become a beacon of hope for patients and
healthcare providers alike. His story highlights the global patient safety issue of
misdiagnosis and delay in acute Aortic Dissection, which the
patient-led THINK AORTA campaign is addressing.
The video, is an emotional and inspiring
tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who face patient safety issues in life-
threatening medical conditions. It includes a recording of Tony, at
home alone, making the emergency ambulance call that saved his life. By
sharing his story as part of the THINK AORTA campaign, Tony wants to raise awareness of
the need to improve patient safety through early detection and
timely intervention in acute Aortic Dissection.
Aortic Dissection is a life-threatening condition involving a tear in the body’s
biggest artery, the Aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the brain, limbs and
Vital organs.
WHO World Patient Safety Day is an annual event that emphasizes the importance of
patient safety and encourages open dialogue between
patients and healthcare providers. It aims to reduce the risks and harm associated with
healthcare by promoting awareness, accountability, and
effective communication in healthcare systems. The theme of World Patient Safety Day 2023
Is “Engaging Patients in Patient Safety”.
The THINK AORTA campaign was established by national patient charity Aortic
Dissection Awareness UK & Ireland in 2016, in partnership with the Royal College of
Emergency Medicine, the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in GB & Ireland and the
charity Heart Research UK. High-impact THINK AORTA educational
posters are now available in the native language of 50% of the
world’s population and there are active THINK AORTA campaigns in North and South America, the UK, Europe, Asia and
Australasia.
In the USA, the campaign is led by
Patient charity Aortic Hope and endorsed by the Society of Thoracic
Surgeons, the Society for Vascular Surgery and the American
College of Emergency Physicians.
Tony believes that his story can serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring patients and
healthcare providers to prioritize patient safety, improve education and
communication and foster a culture of continuous safety
improvement in healthcare organizations worldwide. His video is poised to touch the hearts of millions and
create a lasting impact on patient care.
Join us in witnessing this extraordinary story of resilience, hope, and patient engagement
in the pursuit of better patient safety standards on our YouTube Premiere on
World Patient Safety Day, September 17th."
About World Patient Safety Day:
World Patient Safety Day is an annual event established by the World Health
Organization (WHO) to raise global awareness about patient safety and encourage actions
that can enhance the safety of healthcare systems. The day serves
as an opportunity to promote open communication,
accountability, and collaboration among patients, healthcare professionals, and
policymakers to improve patient care worldwide. The theme of World Patient Safety
Day 2023 is “Engaging Patients in Patient Safety”.
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