Accreditation Canada, the organization that sets standards for quality and safety in healthcare and accredits healthcare organizations in Canada and around the world, has deemed Bluewater Health ‘Accredited with Exemplary Standing.’
Bluewater Health met or exceeded 2,191 national quality standards, and all of its Required Organizational Practices.
“We are honoured by the positive comments from the Accreditation Canada survey team, and proud of their recognition of the progress we’ve made in our quality improvement journey,” says President & CEO Paula Reaume-Zimmer. “We take part in accreditation to gain valuable insights into our strengths and areas for growth. With this result, our patients, families and community can rest assured that we measure up where it matters most – patient safety and quality care.”
During a five-day visit in April, an accreditation survey team reviewed and evaluated Bluewater Health’s programs and services through dialogue with staff, physicians, volunteers, patients and families, as well as with focus groups representing leadership, governance, patient experience and community partners. Information was gathered on topics including work life, safety, infection prevention and control, medication management and communication.
In their time spent touring the hospitals in Petrolia and Sarnia, and speaking with patients and staff, the survey team saw a focus on quality, patient safety, performance, accountability and patient involvement. The survey team highlighted the hospital’s commitment to a Culture of Kindness, saying that the feeling is palpable within its walls. They noted work on the No One Waits (NOW) 2.0 philosophy, and commended Bluewater Health’s effective partnerships with our Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team partners, community, volunteers and patient experience partners.
The hospital was recognized for:
- Being quality-driven in policies, processes and practices
- Having a comprehensive quality improvement framework and integrated risk management program
- Engaging patients and families in their care and in a range of organizational activities
- A highly engaged staff and collegial teams that collaborate across all levels of the organization
- A well tested, flexible pandemic plan that has been updated through lived experience
- Good governance practices and strong leadership
- Organization-wide engagement to address patient flow
- A clear ethical framework and accessible ethical consultations
Above all, Bluewater Health is seen as a high-performing, leaderful organization – one in which staff are passionate and dedicated to their work.
Board Chair Margaret Dragan proudly acknowledged the commitment of staff, professional staff and volunteers to providing safe, high-quality care every day. “In healthcare, quality and safety are paramount. From the bedside to the boardroom, each individual’s contribution helps us deliver on Bluewater Health’s purpose: Health through partnership Caring with Kindness. I would like to recognize our dedicated team for providing safe and compassionate care to our patients and their families.”