Western Zone Receives Highest Level of Accreditation
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services announced today that the Western Zone has once again received the highest level of accreditation, “Accredited with Exemplary Status,” from Accreditation Canada, which evaluates a health-care organization’s compliance with national standards of excellence. Following an onsite survey in February 2024, the Accreditation Canada surveyors noted that the zone had experienced significant advances in several areas since its last survey in 2018.
“NL Health Services – Western Zone exhibits resilience and a commitment to our values of innovation, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence which are reflected in this achievement of this national standard,” said David Diamond, CEO of NL Health Services. “I am pleased that the survey team recognized and were impressed by the level of commitment our staff, physicians and leaders show to providing high quality and safe care. Congratulations to all who contributed to this outstanding achievement.”
A team of eight Accreditation surveyors assessed 2,900 criteria and visited 13 health-care sites across the Western Zone in Stephenville, Bay St. George, Port aux Basques, Bonne Bay, Port Saunders and Corner Brook. During this time, on-site surveyors assessed several areas for quality and safety including:
- critical care services;
- emergency department;
- emergency medical services and interfacility transport;
- infection prevention and control;
- inpatient services;
- medication management;
- obstetrics services;
- perioperative services and invasive procedures;
- medical devices and equipment;
- long-term care;
- community health services;
- substance abuse problem gambling;
- community-based mental health;
- mental health-inpatients;
- diagnostic imaging;
- point of care testing;
- public health;
- transfusion;
- population health and wellness; and
- leadership
“This success would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of NL Health Services’ leadership in the Western Zone, and employees and physicians who embody our person-centered care philosophy,” said Teara Freake, vice-president and chief operating officer (COO), NL Health Services – Western Zone. “They have contributed countless hours to improving the quality of care for our patients, clients and residents and we thank them for all they do.”
The complete Accreditation Canada report was completed in May 2024 and can be read here.
-30-