Northern Health is set to relaunch its Daily Safety Brief (DSB) on 27 August 2025, following a comprehensive review aimed at enhancing its effectiveness as a central tool for safety and operational awareness across the organisation.

Introduced in 2018 and transitioned to a virtual format in 2020, the DSB has grown from 13 to 33 reporting divisions. It has become a vital daily rhythm for staff, offering a consistent pulse check on safety and patient flow. However, a recent review highlighted opportunities to improve its structure, engagement, and impact.

Why the change?

Between February and March 2025, over 40 interviews were conducted to assess whether the DSB was meeting its intended purpose. Feedback revealed strong engagement and appreciation for the brief, but also identified areas for improvement in reporting, accountability, meeting structure, communication, and operational efficiency.

The review also considered key standards, including the Northern Health Internal Standards for Safe Patient Flow and the Standards for Safe and Timely Ambulance and Emergency Care for Victorians, ensuring alignment with broader safety and quality goals.

What’s new?

The relaunch introduces several enhancements:

• Refined purpose: A sharper focus on safety and flow, bringing teams together to address current risks and priorities.
• Defined roles: Clear responsibilities for the Chair, Safety Officer, and participants to ensure efficient and respectful communication.
• Standardised reporting: A new green-amber-red status system to streamline updates and highlight areas needing attention.
• Dashboard improvements: Visual tools to support reporting by exception, track actions, and prioritise safety issues.

These changes aim to foster psychological safety, improve situational awareness, and ensure timely follow-up on emerging risks.

How will it work?

Each morning, divisions will update their safety status in our online system. The DSB will then begin promptly at 9:45 AM, led by the Chief Operating Officer or delegate. The revised dashboard will guide discussions, with red-status areas receiving priority attention and action tracking.

The new format also introduces an interactive reporting template and action log to ensure accountability and close the loop on safety concerns.

Chief Operating Officer Linda Romano shared their thoughts on the relaunch, “These improvements to the Daily Safety Brief reflect our commitment to delivering safe and timely care at Northern Health. By refining our processes and enhancing engagement, we’re ensuring that risks are addressed, together, we’re building a safer, more responsive health service.”

The relaunch marks a significant step forward in Northern Health’s journey to continuously improve safety and quality. Staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new format and contribute to making the DSB a powerful tool for collective awareness and action.

Pictured in featured image: Linda Romano, Chief Operating Officer with William Van Gaal, Safety Officer for the day.