
Tackling Inequities in Patient Safety: Highlights from the NIHR SafetyNet Symposium 2025
On 17 October, Manchester became the centre of innovation and collaboration in patient safety as we brought together researchers, clinicians, public contributors and national partners for the first NIHR SafetyNet Symposium 2025.
Hosted by the NIHR Greater Manchester PSRC, and supported by all six PSRCs across England, the event delivered a day of inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking research showcases from the PSRCs, and a vibrant poster exhibition, all around the theme: Tackling Inequities in Patient Safety.
The Symposium strengthened national collaboration, showcased innovative work, and provided a platform to discuss emerging challenges and future priorities in patient safety. A huge thank you to all speakers, contributors, volunteers and attendees for making this first SafetyNet Symposium a huge success!
Key highlights from the day:
- Keynote by Dr Rosie Benneyworth, Chief Executive Officer, HSSIB – Moving away from a ‘whose to blame’ culture
- Keynote by Prof Dawn Edge, Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity at the University of Manchester – Ethnic inequities in patient safety: addressing structural barriers
- Patient Safety Healthcare Inequalities Reduction Framework, presented by NHSE’s Dr Hester Wain, outlining practical steps for reducing disparities in care.
- Research showcases from the six PSRCs, from understanding healthcare-associated harm in prisons to co-designing interventions for under-represented groups.
Click below to see more photos.
Poster exhibition
- Best Overall Poster
- Best Example of Patient and Public Involvement
- Best Innovation in Patient Safety
- Best Contribution to Tackling Inequities
See below for the winners and runners-up in each category.
Best Overall Poster
Winner
Gail Opio-te – NIHR Yorkshire and Humber PSRC

Prof Beth Fylan receiving the award on behalf of Gail Opio-te
Runner up
Aseel Mahmoud – NIHR North West London PSRC

Aseel Mahmoud receiving the award from the chair, Prof Rebecca Lawton
Best Example of Patient and Public Involvement
Winner
Richard N Keers – NIHR Greater Manchester PSRC

Mark Jeffries receiving the award on behalf of Richard Keers
Runner up
Grainne Brady – NIHR Central London PSRC

Grainne Brady receiving the award from the chair, Prof Rebecca Lawton
Best Innovation in Patient Safety
Winner
Saba Tariq – NIHR Midlands PSRC
Poster: Formative Evaluation of Forum Theatre to Promote Safer Service Co-Design in Maternity Care

Saba Tariq receiving the award from the chair, Prof Rebecca Lawton
Runner up
William Waldock – NIHR North West London PSRC

William Waldock receiving the award from the chair, Prof Rebecca Lawton
Best Contribution to Tackling Inequities
Winner
Ed Breckin – NIHR Yorkshire and Humber PSRC

Ed Breckin receiving the award from the chair, Prof Rebecca Lawton
Runner up
Ricky Odedra – NIHR North West London PSRC

Ricky Odedra receiving the award from the chair, Prof Rebecca Lawton
Opening remarks
Keynote speech
Moving away from a ‘who’s to blame’ culture
Keynote speech
Ethnic Inequities in Patient Safety
Patient Safety Healthcare Inequalities Reduction Framework
Dr Hester Wain, NHS England
NIHR Greater Manchester PSRC
Understanding the scale and nature of healthcare-associated harm in prisons in England
NIHR Central London PSRC
Socioeconomic deprivation and surgical outcome
NIHR Yorkshire and Humber PSRC
Presenting the SafetyNet EDI Maturity Model
NIHR North West London PSRC
Reducing inequity and improving patient safety through co-designing interventions to support people from under-represented groups to attend hospital appointments
NIHR Midlands PSRC
Inequalities in access to respiratory care
NIHR Newcastle PSRC
Tackling inequalities in access to medicines for people experiencing homelessness
Closing remarks

Watch all recorded sessions on the SafetyNet YouTube Channel.

Explore all 59 posters and abstracts here.
















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