Health Sciences Centre Designated as a Choosing Wisely Canada Hospital

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased to share that the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s has been recognized as a Choosing Wisely Canada Hospital at the “Quality Improvement Status” level. The Health Sciences Centre is the first hospital in the country to receive this status within Choosing Wisely Canada’s new designation program which recognizes hospitals that take deliberate action to reduce overuse and demonstrate organizational commitment to minimizing waste and harm.

“We are thrilled that the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s has achieved this Choosing Wisely Canada status,” said Dr. Greg Browne, Chief of Staff, Medical Services, NL Health Services – Eastern Zone. “This designation reflects not only our dedication to reducing unnecessary tests and treatments, but also our commitment to creating better efficiencies in health-care delivery. As we celebrate this accomplishment, we remain focused on fostering a health-care environment that prioritizes patient well-being, quality care and continual improvement.”

Hospitals that achieve this designation demonstrate a strong commitment to reducing use of unnecessary medical procedures, creating better efficiencies, optimizing health-care resources, and improving the quality and safety of patient care. Earning this designation involves active engagement from staff and physicians to identify processes or areas to make improvements within their hospitals.

“NL Health Services extends our sincere appreciation to the health-care professionals whose unwavering commitment to enhancing patient experience is evident in this Choosing Wisely Canada designation,” said Ron Johnson, chief operating officer of the Eastern-Urban Zone of NL Health Services. “We are fortunate to have such exceptional staff and dedicated physicians across our entire health-care system, including those who contribute their expertise at the Health Sciences Centre. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards providing high-quality care for the benefit of our patients.”

“This recognition is well-deserved and we congratulate the staff and health-care providers at the Health Sciences Centre and at Quality of Care NL. As we continue to transform the health system, our government is committed to working with NL Health Services to continue to improve quality care for residents,” said the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services. “In addition, I commend Quality of Care NL at Memorial University on receiving the Organizational Excellence in Choosing Wisely Award from Choosing Wisely Canada.”

The staff and physicians of the Health Sciences Centre have showcased their commitment to quality care by successfully implementing quality improvement initiatives in the following areas:

• avoiding unnecessary tests that are often ordered too frequently;
• reducing unnecessary red blood cell transfusions; and
• implementing a Choosing Wisely Toolkit with a focus on the “Drop the Pre-op” initiative for the site, which will provide guidance on the types of testing completed prior to surgeries.

Patients benefit from a health-care environment that is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care while minimizing unnecessary interventions and ensuring the responsible use of resources. These efficiencies mean patients will see reduced wait times and quicker access to necessary services.

Founded in 2014, Choosing Wisely Canada is the national voice for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in Canada. Choosing Wisely Canada works with national clinician societies to identify and develop recommendations on frequently overused tests and treatments that do not add value to patient care. It mobilizes health-care providers and their organizations to adopt the recommendations and make them part of routine practice.

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