​On this page

  1. What is the NSW Health Safety Alert Broadcast System?
  2. What is a safety alert?
  3. What is a safety notice?
  4. What is safety information?
  5. How do I request a SAB to be produced and distributed?

What is the NSW Health Safety Alert Broadcast System?

The NSW Health Safety Alert Broadcasting System (SABS) is a component of the knowledge management strategy under the NSW Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Program, (PSCQP) launched by the Minister for Health in 2004.

The SABS has been developed to provide a systematic approach to the distribution and management of patient safety information to the NSW health system. The SABS consists of three components to provide local health district/specialty health networks with early warnings / notifications of issues which will potentially impact on patient safety and clinical quality.

  • Safety alert (Red)
  • Safety notice (Amber)
  • Safety information (Green)

What is a safety alert?

A safety alert quickly disseminates information to NSW local health district/specialty health networks about a safety matter needing immediate attention and action. Each Alert specifies action to be taken by local health district/specialty health networks, the timeframes in which such actions should occur, and assign responsibility for action. The colour coding for safety alerts is red.

For a safety alert, local health district/specialty health networks are required to:

  • acknowledge receipt of the safety alert
  • assess the relevance of the information to their services distribute the safety alert to the relevant staff in their local health district/specialty health network
  • ensure completion of the required action within a designated timeframe
  • submit a response to the Ministry within the designated timeframe.

What is a safety notice?

A safety notice informs NSW local health district/specialty health networks about potential quality and safety issues requiring risk assessment at the local level. The safety notice is also used to highlight identified problems. The colour coding for safety notices is amber.

For a safety notice, local health district/specialty health networks are required to:

  • acknowledge receipt of the safety notice
  • consider the relevance of the information to their services
  • distribute the safety notice to the relevant staff in their local health district/specialty health network
  • review policies and procedures in place to address the issues
  • identify required action and implement in local health district/specialty health network
  • submit a response to the Ministry within the given timeframe (if required)

What is safety information?

The aim of safety information is to disseminate quality and safety news to NSW local health district/specialty health networks to ensure lessons learned are being spread across NSW Health. The content of the safety information includes items such as updates on the initiatives implemented under the Patient Safety and Clinical Quality Program and information about policy directives and guidelines.

The colour coding for the safety information is green.

For a safety information, local health district/specialty health networks are required to:

  • distribute the safety information within local health district/specialty health network
  • consider the relevance of the information to their services
  • identify any required action and implement.

How do I request a SAB to be produced and distributed?

NSW Health staff can submit information for a SAB to be produced by using the online form on the Intranet.​​​​

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