RVH EARNS TOP MARKS FROM ACCREDITATION CANADA

DECISION FOLLOWED A FOUR-DAY VISIT IN EARLY FEBRUARY BY SURVEYORS

Barrie's hospital is proving to be one of Canada's best.

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) has received the highest possible performance designation from Accreditation Canada — Accredited with Exemplary Standing. The decision followed a four-day visit in early February by Accreditation surveyors, where every aspect of RVH's programs, policies and practices were assessed.

Surveyors specifically noted patient and family involvement in decision-making, the well-maintained and clean facility, a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan and a dedication to research to be among the hospital's strongest attributes.

"Accreditation provides independent, third-party confirmation that we continue to be a safe, quality organization," RVH president and chief executive officer Gail Hunt said in a statement. "It sends a clear, strong message to our region that patients can have great confidence in the care they receive. It's a testament to the dedication, knowledge and skill of the people who work, practice, volunteer and learn at RVH."

The hospital was evaluated on about 2,700 criteria. Surveyors determined the facility met 100 per cent of required organizational practices and 99.4 per cent of accreditation standards.

Accreditation is voluntary for Canadian health care organizations and is intended to help organizations identify what they do well and where there are opportunities for improvement.

"The survey team leader said one of RVH's strengths is the can-do attitude of Team RVH," Hunt said. "A huge amount of work has gone into preparing for accreditation, and I am enormously proud of (the team) and the way they work together to co-ordinate care, provide support and promote a positive environment."