SLMHC Update
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Receives National Accreditation Status
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Receives National Accreditation Status
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) has received full accreditation status from Accreditation Canada, a national, not-for-profit, independent organization. This decision is based on findings from the on-site survey of SLMHC that took place October 4, 5, and 6, 2010. During the onsite survey, 2 surveyors with broad based experience in Canadian healthcare evaluated client programs and services throughout SLMHC by speaking with and observing numerous staff members, physicians, and clients, reviewing documentation, touring facilities, and conducting focus group meetings with board members and community partners. The inclusive nature of this accreditation process, which involved a variety of people from all facets of the organization, has not only facilitated the creation of an accurate report, but has also helped to cultivate a climate of quality improvement throughout the entire organization that will endure beyond the on-site survey.
Accreditation is a voluntary tool that healthcare organizations use to evaluate and improve their quality of services. The accreditation process is a 3 year cycle that culminates in an on-site survey and an accreditation decision. Accreditation status is awarded to organizations that meet or exceed national standards of excellence, which marks the end of one accreditation cycle and the beginning of the next. SLMHC has participated in the accreditation process, and been accredited 3 times in the past 9 years.
"Accreditation is an important milestone for every healthcare organization,” states SLMHC Chief Executive Officer, David Murray. “It represents that we meet national standards and those we serve can be assured that we provide quality care and programs that meet or exceed accepted national levels of quality care. This is a vote of confidence for our entire organization, from the board, to the management team and especially to the front line staff who deliver on our commitment of quality care day in and day out. We have had a very involved and dedicated team who has led this process over the last year and they should take special pride in this accomplishment."
SLMHC has exceeded previous survey results by attaining a 98.6% compliance rate measured against 1,486 applicable criteria, meeting all Required Organizational Practices, and being awarded 3 year accreditation status without conditions. This is a noteworthy accomplishment. “It took great teamwork to get where we are, and we intend to keep up the momentum,” said Barb Linkewich, SLMHC Vice President of Health Services. “The results identify and reaffirm where our strengths are and also provide us with valuable recommendations for ongoing improvement. Obtaining external peer feedback on one’s services is a crucial element to the evaluation process. We want to thank everyone involved for their tremendous efforts and making our journey towards quality health care in this region a truly rewarding experience.” SLMHC is praised by Accreditation Canada for demonstrating its commitment to providing quality care and service, as well as for its organization-wide quest for improvement.
SLMHC is encouraged that its commitment to patient care and high compliance rate to national standards of excellence has been recognized and outlined in the report. Identified areas of improvement will help to focus and prioritize SLMHC’s quality improvement initiatives, including the further implementation of its quality-risk management plans, analysis of resource allocation opportunities and decisions, improvements to medication management processes, and the development and utilization of additional indicators that will effectively monitor and evaluate key activities. Also, SLMHC will continue to work towards acquiring additional resources that will enhance patient services, notably mammography and CT equipment. SLMHC will continue to build on its strengths, address areas of improvement, and overcome many challenges as we move into the brand new, state of the art facility in November, 2010.
For more information contact:
Mrs. Barb Linkewich, Vice President of Health Services
Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre
Sioux Lookout, ON P8T 1B4
Telephone 807-737-3030 ext. 2029
Email: