The Health Quality and Safety Commission has launched a national campaign to help reduce accidental injuries and deaths among hospital patients.
The campaign is in response to district health board figures which show that 170 people broke their hips after a fall in hospital between 2010 and 2012.
From 2005 to 2010, ACC received 205 claims for surgical mishaps, including instruments left inside the patient.
Professor Alan Merry said the Open for Better Care campaign focuses on preventing falls, better hand hygiene, safer surgery and use of medication.
As well as emotional and physical cost to the patient, Professor Merry said the cost to the hospitals, which already have stretched budgets, is unacceptable.
