"On behalf of the Diocese of Victoria, I am extremely pleased to share that Accreditation Canada has now awarded St. Joseph's General Hospital 'Accreditation with Exemplary Standing,'" said Mr. Chris Kelsey, Hospital Board Chair. "The Accreditation Canada survey process is an independent, external review using national standards to assess the care and service provided to our community. Achieving Exemplary Standing reflects St. Joseph's goal to provide the highest standard of care to those we serve."
Following the Accreditation Canada on-site survey conducted at the hospital from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, 2013, St. Joseph's received 'Accreditation with Commendation Standing.' Accreditation Canada provides the organization the option of submitting additional information to demonstrate how outstanding standards have been met within a six-month timeframe. A submission was made to Accreditation Canada within this timeframe and the hospital was notified on April 10 that it has been successful in the attainment of Exemplary Standing.
Accreditation with Exemplary Standing decision is attained when the "Organization [has] exceeded the most rigorous requirements of the accreditation program." At St. Josephs General Hospital, we have achieved 98 per cent compliance with these standards (there are 1714 in total) and 100 per cent of the Required Organizational Practices. Across Canada, 22 per cent of health care facilities hold this prestigious standing.
Three surveyors spent a week at the hospital last fall and assessed care and services in almost every department, in both the acute care hospital and The Views. Surveyors reviewed plans, procedures and quality and safety programs. The surveyors also spent time in departments and on care units and spoke with community partners, Board members, managers, staff, physicians, patients, residents and families.
Leesa Ferguson, Director of Quality & Risk Management states, "Achieving Accreditation with Exemplary Standing really speaks to our culture of patient safety and continuous improvement at St. Josephs General Hospital. Standards of excellence are embedded in our everyday work and reflective in the practices of our staff and physicians. This award is a true testament to their dedication and commitment to providing the best quality and evidence-based care to our patients and residents."
While the Accreditation Canada surveyors did spend some time in the Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging Departments, Laboratory and Diagnostic Imaging are accredited under a separate program; both of these departments were surveyed in 2013 and each received an accreditation designation.
Ms. Jane Murphy, President & CEO stated, "Achieving Accreditation with Exemplary Standing is all about commitment to excellence throughout the organization and represents teamwork at all levels. I wish to acknowledge and thank our entire organization (staff, physicians, volunteers) for their commitment to providing outstanding care to our patients and residents. The support from our Foundation, Auxiliary and many community partners is essential to us in achieving our mission. In particular, the support we receive from Island Health has been instrumental in our work.
The St. Joseph General Hospital Board of Directors and the Diocese of Victoria have also provided outstanding governance and oversight to the organization. An important aspect of Accreditation Canada is the principle of continual improvement of care and services. Receiving this award is not a final destination; it is a journey and only strengthens our commitment to learn from the accreditation process and continue to develop and improve our care and services on an ongoing basis."
— St. Joseph's General Hospital