Miramichi Regional Health Authority preparing for Accreditation
The Miramichi Regional Health Authority is preparing for accreditation. Surveyors from the Canadian Council of Health Services Accreditation (CCHSA) were at the Miramichi Regional Health Authority from April 9-12, 2006. During this time they visited with various departments and quality care and support teams to discuss initiatives adopted in striving to achieve improvement measurements (AIM).
“We are excited about having our accreditation visit,” says Gary Foley, president and CEO of the Miramichi Regional Health Authority. “It is a great opportunity to share our patient care and service accomplishments in our region, and be evaluated against national standards of care and service.”
Accreditation is a process by which health care organizations assess their services and programs with national standards of excellence. They then have a survey with peer surveyors from the CCHSA, the major national accrediting body for organizations across all health sectors in Canada. Accreditation is voluntary and is recognized by provincial and federal funders of health services. It takes place every three years.
Effective January 2006 a new component has been added to all accreditation visits. This component focuses on patient safety standards. “We are looking forward to be evaluated on these new standards,” says Foley. He says patient safety has been and continues to be a priority for the organization and is reflected in the MRHA’s mission statement and health and business plan.
“There are always opportunities to improve and we look forward to any recommendations that the Accreditation surveyors may have for our organization regarding this new national and recurring components.”
Once the accreditation survey is completed, the CCHSA will compile its report and make recommendations to the surveyed organization. This process can take up to six weeks to complete.
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