On the occasion of World Patient Safety Day 2025, the 7th National Patient Safety Day Conference was jointly organized by the Health Services Management Training Centre of Semmelweis University, Semmelweis University, and the NEVES Association. The event aligned with the WHO’s global theme “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child.”

Opening the conference, Dr. Judit Lám, Head of the Department of Patient Safety, highlighted the importance of focusing on the specific vulnerabilities and safety needs of newborns and children. Prof. Dr. Attila Szabó, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs, emphasized that every safety measure in paediatric care can have lasting impacts on health outcomes.

Haris Hajrulahovic, Head of the WHO Country Office in Hungary, underlined the global context of patient safety and the essential role of patients and civil society in shaping safer healthcare systems.

Dr. Éva Belicza, President of the NEVES Association, recalled the beginnings of the Hungarian patient safety movement and the establishment of education and reporting systems supporting quality and safety.

The conference featured three thematic blocks covering perinatal, clinical, and psychosocial aspects of paediatric patient safety.

In the first session, experts addressed safety challenges in neonatal and perinatal care, including newborn resuscitation training (NLS), neonatal screening, infection prevention, and quality improvement through participation in the Vermont-Oxford Neonatal Network (VON). Presentations also focused on vaccine hesitancy, communication in primary paediatric care, and the importance of early parental involvement.

The second session examined clinical and pharmacological safety, highlighting teamwork in emergency care, infection control, safe medication practices, and research on diabetes management in children. Speakers stressed the value of data-driven evaluation, digital innovations to prevent medication errors, and guideline-based allergy diagnosis and treatment. The challenges of off-label drug use in paediatrics were also discussed, with a focus on oncology and dosage safety.

The final session explored rights, communication, and psychosocial dimensions. Presentations covered the implementation of children’s rights in care, the impact of communication on safety and satisfaction, and digital health risks such as excessive screen time. Innovative initiatives like “Get Moving into Reality!” demonstrated practical approaches to improving mental well-being. The role of multidisciplinary teams and family psychoeducation in early conductive education (Pető Institute) was also emphasized, alongside the Amigos Foundation’s patient-centred volunteer work supporting hospitalized children.

The event reaffirmed healthcare professionals’ commitment to advancing patient safety culture, improving safe paediatric and neonatal care, and strengthening collaboration among healthcare professionals, families, and institutions in line with the WHO’s global patient safety goals.