It’s About The Patient : Christmas Message 2023

At this time of year, Zener Engineering Services Limited (ZES) would like to remind all those how work in Life Sciences and Healthcare, what their work is actually about.

Unfortunately on a number of occasions over the last few years, ZES have witnessed a shift away from prioritising the Patient over profit, even by QA departments. ZES believe a fundamental re-focus of perspective is necessary, where Patient safety is once again the Number 1 priority and is placed at the forefront of Life Sciences, prioritising it once again over profit.

 

While the business aspect of the Life Science industry is undeniable, the ethical obligation to ensure the well-being of Patients should supersede any financial considerations, in the view of ZES.

At the heart of the Life Science industry lies a human story. Each Patient represents a unique set of narratives, and their safety should never be compromised for financial gain. In the view of ZES, placing Patient safety first is a declaration that acknowledges the intrinsic value of human life, emphasising the moral responsibility that the Life Science industry bear.

Trust is the bedrock of the Patient-Life Science Organisation relationship. Life Science organisations who actually and really prioritise Patient safety inevitably foster trust, and in turn assure Patients and the Regulatory Authorities that Patient well-being is of paramount concern. This trust is not only crucial for the immediate Patient experience, but also for the reputation and sustainability of the Life Science organisation. Therefore as it seems to be the case that profit has become more of a priority, ZES recommend that Life Science organisations take a look in the mirror and ask themselves why they are in the industry.

While the upfront costs of ensuring Patient safety by implementing validated systems upfront may seem daunting and costly, the long-term benefits far outweigh these concerns. Proactive measures, such as robust and enforced Quality Systems, and Staff Training, can prevent costly manufacturing errors, legal implications and the need for extensive corrective and preventative actions. In the view of ZES, Investing in Quality for Patient Safety is an investment in financial sustainability.

The legal and ethical obligations of Life Science organisations underscore the need to prioritise Patient safety, rather than just doing enough to pass a regulatory inspection. Beyond financial consequences, legal ramifications and damage to an organisation’s integrity can result from negligence or a lack of commitment to quality and safety. Upholding high ethical standards is not only a legal requirement but a moral imperative.

 Directors of Quality who dismiss the messengers of non-compliance have no place in the Life Science industry, yet, in the experience of ZES, they are becoming more and more prevalent.

Prioritising Quality over profit aligns seamlessly with the concept of “Patient Safety First”. ZES feel that a re-alignment in some quarters of the Life Science Industry is required and represents a paradigm shift from the current situation. Placing Quality back at the centre of the Life Science organisation’s journey (and their Suppliers) necessitates a commitment to safety as the primary guiding principle.

ZES have found that, when Life Science professionals feel confident in their ability to help provide high quality focused products, they experience higher morale and job satisfaction. This positive working environment contributes to increased productivity, reduced burnout, and a virtuous cycle that benefits both Life Science personnel, their respective organisations and, in the long run, Patients. Prioritising Quality is an investment in the well-being of Life Science professionals, who directly influence Patient outcomes.

Life Science organisations operate within a framework of stringent regulations globally, which are aimed at providing Quality products and in turn safeguarding Patients. Prioritising Quality ensures compliance with these standards, mitigating legal risks and positioning Life Science organisations as responsible custodians of public health. In the view of ZES, Life Science organisations also need to embrace the spirit of the regulations and best practices, rather than just meeting regulatory requirements as a minimum.

While the economic aspect of the Life Sciences Industry cannot be ignored, in the opinion of ZES, a delicate balance between profit and ethics is achievable. Prioritising Quality products and Patient safety is not a prerequisite to financial success; rather, it is a strategic choice that ensures long-term viability, enhanced reputation for the Life Science Organisation, and sustained profitability through ethical practices.

In conclusion, the shift towards prioritising Quality products and in turn Patient safety over profit is not just a moral imperative but a strategic choice that aligns with long-term financial sustainability, ethical standards, and the fundamental essence of the Life Sciences industry, which is the well-being of individuals. It is a commitment to the human element, an investment in trust, and a recognition that the true measure of success in Life Sciences lies in the health and safety of every Patient.

 

At all times, ZES operate with the utmost integrity and help to ensure Patient safety through advocating and implementing industry best practices. This is a significant point in the experience of ZES, which unfortunately seems to be becoming less evident from our contemporaries as time goes on.