IPRAS becomes partner of World Health Organization
in "Safe Surgery Saves Lives” initiative.

On June 25, 2008 WHO performed the global launch of the “Safe Surgery Saves Lives” initiative at
the Pan American Health Organisation Headquarters in Washington D.C.

We, representatives of 100 national and international societies, were welcomed by
Dr. Mirta Roses Periago Director of Pan American Health Organization and Dr. Carolyn Clancy,
Director Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality USA.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy who had planned to participate, had to
undergo surgery. So he sent a letter of support instead, which was read by Kavita Patel.

Sir Liam Donaldson, Chair of the World Alliance for Patient Safety, then introduced the
World Alliance and the Global Patient Safety Challenges.

Dr. Atul Gawande, project leader for “Safe Surgery Saves Lives” gave some background
information for the project.

Then the 8 pilot site centers around the world and their teams were presented. As supporters of
the project Marie Harney, Minister of Health of Ireland, Dr. Orlando Urroz, Representitive of the
Ministry of Health of Costa Rica, Dr. Gerald Healy, President of the American College of
Surgeons, Dr. Roger Moore, President Elect of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists
and Susan Banschbach, President of Association of peri-Operative Registered Nurses, gave
their ideas and philosophies about this project.

Susan Sheridan, representative of the Patients for Patient Safety group reminded us of the
role of patients.

Then a total of 100 organizations supporting the initiative were called to give their letters of
endorsements to Dr. Tim Evans, Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization
in an impressive ceremony.

The video of endorsing organizations, which was presented afterwards included a clip of
IPRAS with a message of support by the General Secretary.

Closing remarks by Dr. Margarete Chan Director General of the World Health Organization
were given by videolink. Finaly Dr. Atul Gawande represented a video of his family members
and their need for surgery and their gratitude for safe surgery.

The acceptance of the initiative “Safe Surgery Saves Lives” in IPRAS was impressive:
Some of the members sent the completed forms to me for evaluation. I was moved by the
enthusiasm, expressed by our members.

For those who are not working with the form yet, -we enclose it again. I want to
reassure all of you that it might only take three minutes of your time, but it will create high
values for your patients and yourself. Please join us!

05.08.2008

Marita Eisenmann-Klein, M.D. General Secretary International Confederation for Plastic,
Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Director Department of Plastic and Aesthetic, Hand
and Reconstructive Surgery and Deputy Medical Director at Caritas-Hospital St. Josef
Regensburg, Germany Member Advisory Board for Examinations in Plastic and
Aesthetic Surgery Bavarian Medical Association