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In this blog, Jean Almond and Sam Freeman Carney from Parkinson’s UK explain how their new time critical medication dashboard is: exposing the cost of missed and delayed medication encouraging renewed focus on improvements reducing avoidable harm. This blog is part of a series on noncommunicable diseases, in support of World Patient Safety Day 2026. People with Parkinson’s rely on their medication, and need to take it on time. A delay of as little as 30 minutes can mean the difference between functioning well and being unable to move, walk, talk or swallow. Missing doses can lead to severe and irreversible harm to their health. People with Parkinson’s need to get their medication on time, every time. It is deeply concerning, then, that less than half (42%) of people with Parkinson’s admitted to hospital last year received their medication on time, every time. To help support the NHS in addressing this issue, Parkinson's UK worked with The Public Service Consultants (The PSC) to develop a ground-breaking new data dashboard, which shows the health economic benefits of improving time critical medication management for people with Parkinson's in hospitals. What does the time critical medication dashboard do? The time critical medication dashboard estimates the direct cost for hospitals and the impact on patient outcomes of time critical Parkinson’s medication delays and omissions. It does so at national, Integrated Care Board (ICB), NHS Trust and health board levels across England, Scotland, and Wales. The model considers impacts on key measures, including length of stay, staff time, mortality, re-admissions, and associated costs. The dashboard helps organisations evaluate different approaches to improve the timely administration of time critical medications — such as self-administration, staff training, or e-prescribing — by modelling the cost savings gained from implementing improvements. Real-world success and traction The dashboard has already: achieved over 3,500 views, primarily from healthcare professionals been shared through the NHS England’s three-year medicines safety improvement programme focused on time critical medication been promoted by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) through their time critical medication quality improvement programme in Emergency Departments. Frontline teams are already utilising the tool to build local business cases for time critical medication quality improvement projects to improve patient safety. As one NHS Trust shared: "When we found the Dashboard, it helped us to show in real terms, financial terms, the impact missed and delayed doses of [Parkinson’s] medications were going to have on our Trust. We were able to use this to gain traction and benchmark our starting position. We hope to see a significant improvement in the dashboard as we work on our [Quality Improvement Programme]." The dashboard has supercharged our work at Parkinson's UK, opening doors with previously unengaged hospitals and shifting conversations from abstract risks to concrete, localised numbers. Award winning Our dashboard won the award for the ‘Most effective contribution to improving care for those with long term conditions’ at the HSJ Partnership Awards in March 2026. This is further recognition that our tool is helping address an avoidable, recurring patient safety issue and supporting the NHS in making the urgent improvements needed across the system. How to find out more and take action Alongside the dashboard, we provide a comprehensive suite of free resources to help health systems improve how they manage time critical Parkinson’s medication: Our 'Time critical medication: 10 recommendations for your hospital', developed by NHS health professionals living with Parkinson's, enable NHS organisations to support timely, safe and appropriate medicine management for people with Parkinson's. Our suite of resources and learning supports hospital teams to deliver time critical medication to people with Parkinson's. No one with Parkinson’s should fear going into hospital because they can’t get the medication they rely on. Our dashboard is a critical new resource to show how hospitals can and need to go further. We urge health professionals, NHS Trusts, Health Boards and Integrated Care Boards to use this tool and transform their management of time critical Parkinson’s medication. Share your insights What is your experience of time critical medication? As a patient or a clinician? You can comment below (sign up first for free) or get in touch with the Patient Safety Learning hub team at [email protected].

On Thursday 17 September 2026 the seventh annual World Patient Safety Day takes place, focused on the theme of “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases”. In this blog we explain what noncommunicable diseases are, and why they are a patient safety priority. World Patient Safety Day encourages us to reflect on some of the most persistent and complex challenges facing health systems globally. Some of the most significant of these relate to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). What are NCDs? NCDs, simply put, are long-term diseases that are not passed from person to person. These account for a significant proportion of illness, disability and premature mortality. NCDs include: cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and hypertension) cancer chronic respiratory diseases (including COPD and asthma) diabetes neurological conditions genetic conditions. Unlike infectious diseases, which are caused by pathogens and can spread between individuals, NCDs are typically the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.[1] Common risk factors include tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. Impact of NCDs NCDs are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Global health estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that over 43 million people were killed by NCDs in 2021.[2] More than 18 million NCD deaths were among people younger than 70 years of age. A recently published report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) assessed the health and economic benefits of tackling NCDs.[3] It highlighted that: Despite decades of national efforts, NCD rates have continued to rise between 1990 and 2023. Among members of the OECD (high-income and middle-income countries), if there were no NCDs, health expenditure would be about 40% lower. Tackling and reducing the rate of NCDs is one of the biggest global health challenges we face. NCDs and patient safety While much of the discourse around NCDs focuses on prevention and public health interventions, there is an equally important patient safety dimension that warrants attention. One of the core objectives of this year’s World Patient Safety Day is to raise awareness of the patient safety challenges associated with NCDs throughout the course of a patient’s care and treatment.[4] People living with NCDs often require long-term care, multiple medications and interactions with different parts of the healthcare system. This complexity increases the risk of safety incidents such as medication errors, delayed diagnoses or fragmented care. From a patient safety perspective, NCDs highlight the need for coordinated, person-centred care. Patients with multiple conditions may see several specialists, each with their own treatment plans, which can sometimes conflict or lead to unintended consequences. Ensuring clear communication across healthcare teams, and with patients themselves, is critical to reducing harm. Health inequalities also play a significant role. In the UK and globally, NCDs disproportionately affect people in more deprived communities. These groups may face barriers to accessing care, lower health literacy and increased exposure to risk factors. Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of public health, but of patient safety and equity.[5] Role of patients and families Raising awareness of and tackling the patient safety issues associated with NCDs also requires recognition of the important role that patients and families can play. The promotion of meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs and their communities is a key objective of this year’s World Patient Safety Day.[4] People living with NCDs often develop a deep understanding of their conditions and can be valuable partners in identifying risks and preventing harm. Encouraging shared decision-making and supporting patients to speak up about concerns are key components of safer care. Looking ahead to World Patient Safety Day, it is clear that tackling NCDs is not just about managing long-term conditions—it is about designing systems that are safer, more integrated and more responsive to the needs of those who use them. This requires collaboration across sectors, sustained investment and a commitment to learning from both success and failure. By placing patient safety at the heart of NCD care, we can move towards a healthcare system that not only treats illness and reduces healthcare expenditure but actively works to prevent harm and improve quality of life for millions of people. Share your views and experience on the hub Do you have experiences or views around the theme of this year’s World Patient Safety Day that you would like to share? You can share your thoughts with us by commenting below (sign up here for free first), submitting a blog, or by emailing us at [email protected]. References 1. WHO. Noncommunicable diseases. 25 December 2025. 2. WHO. The Global Health Observatory – Noncommunicable diseases: Mortality. Last accessed 11 May 2026. 3. OECD. The Health and Economic Benefits of Tackling Non-Communicable Diseases. 15 April 2026. 4. Patient Safety Learning. World Patient Safety Day 2026. 30 March 2026. 5. Department of Health and Social Care. 10 Year Health Plan for England: fit for the future. 3 July 2025.

Despite decades of national efforts, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to rise. NCDs are long-lasting health conditions, that typically develop slowly and progress over time. They include cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes. NCDs affect far more than health outcomes: they influence how people live and work, strain families and communities, and impose a growing burden on health systems and economies. This report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) assesses the health and economic benefits of tackling NCDs. It highlights how countries that succeed in reducing key health risks such as obesity and tobacco use can save lives, ease pressure on health budgets and unlock substantial economic gains. World Patient Safety Day on the 17 September 2026 is focused on the theme “Safe care for non-communicable diseases”.

This year’s World Patient Safety Day on 17 September is focused on the theme ”Safe care for noncommunicable diseases”. This article explains the aims of the event and the areas it will cover. Thursday 17 September 2026 marks the seventh annual World Patient Safety Day. World Patient Safety Day aims to: increase public awareness and engagement enhance global understanding work towards global solidarity and concerted action by all countries and international partners to improve patient safety. The theme of this year’s event is “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases”.[1] Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. Common types of NCDs include cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. People of all age groups, regions and countries are affected by NCDs, although they are often associated with older age groups. NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly three quarters of global NCD deaths (32 million) occur.[2] People living with NCDs can need care across multiple settings over long periods of time, with multiple points where safety risks can arise. Objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2026 Raise global awareness of patient safety challenges associated with NCDs across the continuum of care through a primary health care approach while considering disease-related factors, health system challenges and determinants of health that may increase the risk of harm. Promote the meaningful engagement of people living with NCDs and communities, in identifying safety risks and co-developing solutions with health practitioners, organizational leaders and policy-makers. Encourage stakeholders to integrate patient safety principles across NCD-related legislation, policies, strategies and programmes, with an emphasis on strengthening primary health care oriented health systems. Support health workers in strengthening patient safety practices such as safer diagnosis, medication safety and meaningful patient engagement. Key messages People living with NCDs are at increased risk of harm in health care. This risk is driven by the long-term and complex nature of NCDs, health system challenges such as fragmented care and broader factors that affect access to safe care, such as poverty and discrimination. Risks must be addressed across the continuum of care and in daily life. Safety risks can arise at every stage, from prevention, early detection and diagnosis to treatment and long-term management, across health care settings, homes and communities. Strong, integrated health systems and a supported health workforce are essential for safe care. Strengthening primary health care, supporting health workers and addressing barriers that affect access to safe care through multisectoral action, are key to reducing harm. People living with NCDs must be partners in safe care. Meaningful engagement, learning from people with lived experience and supporting health literacy reduces harm and leads to safer, better-quality care. Calls to action People living with or at risk of NCDs and their caregivers - Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay safe. Don't miss opportunities for prevention. Learn about NCD risk factors, participate in recommended screening and preventive care, and seek help early when you notice warning signs. Know your condition and safety risks. Understand your diagnosis, tests, treatments and possible sources of harm related to your condition. Follow basic safety practices such as hand hygiene and double-checking your medications. Know your rights and be an active partner in your care. Take part in health care discussions and decisions about your care. Ask questions, confirm your understanding and speak up if you have concerns or notice safety practices being missed. Be your own "information officer". Keep an accurate record of your symptoms, test results, medications and appointments, including when travelling or when away from home. Use tools like electronic records, reminders or trusted health apps to track your readings, medications, test results and appointments. Navigate transitions safely. Stay alert during "handover" moments between health practitioners and during referrals and discharge. Make sure you are clear about your medications, follow-up appointments and who to contact if your symptoms worsen. Follow up on your test results — "No news" is not always good news. Master your self-care. Know how to use your medications, medical devices and digital health tools correctly. Know your warning signs and when to seek help Health practitioners - Make NCD care safe at every step. Prioritise meaningful engagement. Partner with people living with NCDs as expert team members. Support shared decision-making. Empower people living with NCDs to recognize risks, manage their care safely and identify warning signs that require action. Promote prevention and reduce risk. Identify and address modifiable risk factors, support healthy lifestyles and provide evidence-based preventive interventions. Ensure early detection and accurate diagnosis. Reduce delays, avoid missed or incorrect diagnoses by maintaining a high index of suspicion about NCD-related risks, and interpret tests carefully, especially in people with multiple conditions. Identify risks and prevent harm. Take proactive steps to prevent harm across the continuum of care, such as missed prevention opportunities, delayed or incorrect diagnoses, medication errors, procedural risks and device-related harm. Ensure continuity and coordination of care. Communicate clearly, manage transitions safely and maintain follow-up across health practitioners and settings. Learn and improve continuously. Report incidents, share good practices and contribute to a culture of safety and continuous improvement. Health care facility managers - Establish systems that enable safe NCD care Prevent harm through early action. Establish systems that support evidence-based preventive services and risk assessment, early detection, timely management and ongoing follow-up. Enforce rigorous safety standards. Standardize care and implement protocols to address the major sources of harm. Ensure continuity and coordination of care. Establish standardized processes for handovers, referrals and discharge across practitioners and health care settings. Embed meaningful engagement within facility governance. Involve people living with NCDs in facility boards, safety committees and the design of care processes. Support and enable the workforce. Provide training, resources and supportive working conditions. Foster teamwork and open communication between staff members. Use lived experience and data to improve care. Establish a safety culture, promote incident reporting by health workers and patients and use lived experience to drive continuous improvement. Policy-makers and health care leaders - Embed safety in every NCD policy and programme. Integrate safety into NCD policies and legislation. Ensure safety is embedded in national strategies to deliver on commitments from the 2025 UN Political Declaration on NCDs. Promote prevention and early detection. Strengthen policies and programmes that support risk reduction, preventive services, screening and early detection of NCDs. Strengthen primary health care for safe NCD care. Build integrated, people-centred systems that provide continuous and coordinated care, and address barriers that prevent people from accessing safe NCD services. Ensure sustainable financing and financial protection. Mobilize and sustain resources and reduce financial barriers for accessing safe essential NCD services for all. Invest in a capable health workforce. Train, support and retain health workers with the competencies needed to deliver safe NCD care. Engage people with lived experience. Establish mechanisms to involve civil society in the design, delivery and accountability of NCD care. Civil society organisations - Mobilise action for safer NCD care. Advocate for safer NCD care. Call for the prioritization of safety and quality in NCD policies, programmes and services. Strengthen health literacy and promote early action. Provide trusted information and practical support to help people understand NCD risks, recognize early signs, and seek timely screening and care. Support safe care in everyday life. Help people living with NCDs to follow their care safely, recognize risks such as medication errors or missed care, and identify warning signs that require action. Break down barriers and promote equity. Help identify and overcome barriers such as stigma, discrimination and low health literacy that may be preventing people from accessing safe care for NCDs. Empower people to speak up. Create a culture where people feel confident to ask questions, raise concerns and insist on being heard when they feel something is wrong with their care. Collaborate for safety. Represent people with lived experience in policy dialogue and work with health workers to co-create safer systems. Share your views and experiences on the hub Do you have experiences or views around the theme of this year’s World Patient Safety Day that you would like to share? You can share your thoughts with us by commenting below (sign up here for free first), submitting a blog, or by emailing us at [email protected]. References World Health Organization. Announcing World Patient Safety Day 2026 – Safe care for noncommunicable diseases. 30 March 2026. World Health Organization. Noncommunicable diseases. 25 September 2025. Related reading Find out more about previous World Patient Safety Days in the blogs below: World Patient Safety Day 2025 World Patient Safety Day 2024 World Patient Safety Day 2023 World Patient Safety Day 2022 World Patient Safety Day 2021