Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) has once again been awarded the highest possible performance designation from Accreditation Canada – Accredited with Exemplary Standing.
The decision followed a four-day visit in early-February by external Accreditation Canada surveyors during which every aspect of RVH’s programs, policies and practices were carefully assessed.
“Accreditation provides independent, third party confirmation that we continue to be a safe, quality organization,” says Gail Hunt, RVH president and CEO. “It sends a clear, strong message to our region that patients can have great confidence in the care they receive at RVH. It’s a testament to the dedication, knowledge and skill of the people who work, practice, volunteer and learn at RVH.”
The health centre was evaluated on approximately 2,700 standards resulting in a near-perfect score. Surveyors determined RVH met 100 per cent of the Required Organizational Practices and 99.4 per cent of the accreditation standards.
The surveyors were particularly impressed with RVH’s efforts to always involve patients and families in decision-making; the health centre’s unwavering focus on quality and safety; its well maintained, clean building; a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan; dedication to research and ethical decision-making and leading clinical practices.
“The survey team leader said, ‘One of RVH’s strengths is the can-do attitude of TEAM RVH. We felt it as soon as we entered this building — it was palpable. Your strength is your people,’ I couldn’t agree more!” says Hunt. “A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for accreditation, and I am enormously proud of TEAM RVH and the way they work together to coordinate care, provide support and promote a positive environment. I honestly can’t thank TEAM RVH enough for their hard work and dedication to the safety of our patients and their families and for their continuous commitment to providing excellent care.”
Accreditation is voluntary for Canadian healthcare organizations and is intended to help organizations identify what they do well, along with opportunities for improvement.