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Published: 28/08/2026

Open Disclosure Themed Week 2026

Open Disclosure Themed Week takes place from Monday 5 to Sunday 11 October 2026.

This year's theme is:

Working together to ensure openness, learning, compassion and trust

The purpose of Open Disclosure Themed Week is to promote open disclosure. We want to increase awareness of the roles and responsibilities of open conversations and foster the confidence to do so. The week aims to raise awareness of the important contribution of patients, families, staff, leaders and key open disclosure support roles in ensuring that open disclosure is undertaken in a timely, person-centred and supportive way.

Throughout the week, services will have an opportunity to recognise and promote the responsibilities of those involved in and impacted by open disclosure.

This week will encourage learning and engagement. It will help people understand that open disclosure is everyone's responsibility and requires a shared commitment across the organisation.

How can you get involved?

Join us during Open Disclosure Themed Week as we recognise that everyone has a part to play in open disclosure and in building trust through open, honest and compassionate communication.

Last year, during Themed Week, many services around the country hosted:

  • stands
  • engagement activities
  • training events

Local colleagues from the National Quality and Patient Safety (NQPS) team would be delighted to visit and feature your engagements on our social media. Please let us know what you are planning by emailing opendisclosure.office@hse.ie.

Explore the resources below and take part in our programme of events to learn, engage and support a culture of openness across our services.

Note

Resources and information will be uploaded as they become available.

Daily themes and programme of events

Monday - Leadership

Open disclosure starts with a positive patient safety culture. Supporting staff is essential to supporting patients. Leaders and managers play a critical role in building a culture where open disclosure is expected, supported and valued.

Tuesday - The Voice of the People

Recognising patients, service users and families as central participants in open disclosure conversations. Those using our services deserve honesty, compassion and respect.

Wednesday - Frontline Staff

All staff must take responsibility for doing the right thing and open disclosure is a skill that can be learned and developed. Training and education programmes play a key role in ensuring staff have the skills and confidence to engage in open disclosure.

Thursday - Key Support Roles in Open Disclosure

Highlight the importance and supports available for the roles of:

  • Open Disclosure Champions,
  • Designated Persons
  • Open Disclosure Leads
Friday - Learning Together, Improving Together

Friday will provide an opportunity to reflect on:

  • the progress made in embedding Open Disclosure across our services
  • recognise achievements to date
  • consider how we can continue to strengthen practice in the future.
  • learn from experience to strengthen trust, quality and patient safety

Get in contact

If you are using LinkedIn to promote your activities please tag us in your posts so we can share the work in your service.

Throughout the week the National Open Disclosure Team will be sharing videos on open disclosure.

If you would like to contact the National Open Disclosure team you can email opendisclosure.office@hse.ie.

You can also use the hashtag #OpenDisclosureWeek2026.

Follow the HSE National Quality and Patient Safety team on LinkedIn

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