Models of care in women's health, whether addressing generalist or specialised care, should incorporate the management of risk. Risk management systematically identifies and evaluates factors that could expose patients, staff, visitors and hospital property to harm, and puts in place defences which minimise the likelihood that such hazards will produce harm. The RADICAL framework provides a convenient vehicle for implementing and monitoring risk management. This framework comprises the key steps of raising awareness and understanding of patient safety, and delivering women's health care in a manner designed to protect patient safety. It also includes steps of involving service users in enhancing the safety of women's health care, collecting and analyzing data on safety of care, using efficient systems, and learning from patient safety incidents. As with other aspects of clinical practice, interventions to promote patient safety should be supported by evidence.