A major 7NEWS report highlights that thousands of preventable hospital deaths in Australia were linked to human error, often at the exact moments when communication and handover should protect patients. The blog argues that communication is an essential clinical skill, not “non‑technical,” and shows how structured handovers, clear escalation, and a Receiver Mindset turn concerns into timely action. Aligned with NSQHS Standard 6 and global safety goals, it calls on organisations to invest in behavioural, cognitive, and social communication skills—training that reliably reduces avoidable harm and saves lives.