Accreditation

Riverside Health Care voluntarily participates in Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum Accreditation program.

Accreditation Canada is a non-profit, non-government organization that helps health service organizations across Canada examine and improve the quality of care and services they provide. Formed by health care professionals and organizations in 1958, national standards were created to guide organizations in the development of processes designed to achieve specific outcomes with a focus on quality improvement.

Riverside achieved a successful three-year Accreditation with Commendation status in the fall of 2012.

Comments made by the on-site surveyors included:

“Emergency preparedness and the community health services are impressive. There is a focus on patient centred care and innovative delivery systems in a community setting…. The organization has developed strong working relationships and networks with external partners …The organization recently received an Employer of the Year award from the Confederation College. The award was in recognition for clinical experience for Registered Practical Nurses.”

What is Accreditation?

  • A national, voluntary program for assessing quality in health services organizations
  • A self-assessment and peer review process using a tailored set of standards
  • Provides recognition that services meet national standards of quality
  • A four-year cycle of continuous learning and improvement.

During the pre-survey stage, organizations complete a self-assessment. The assessment standards are divided into specific sections, mostly clinical such as Surgical Services, Emergency, and Medication Management, but also Board Governance and Effective Organization. Teams of staff impacted by that service or program use the standards to evaluate their own area. The standards address the quality dimensions of:

  • Population Focus
  • Accessibility
  • Safety
  • Worklife
  • Client Centered Services
  • Continuity of Services
  • Effectiveness
  • Efficiency

The on-site survey is an opportunity for the organization to receive advice and to have its performance validated by external reviewers. It recognizes areas of excellence as well as areas for improvement. Accreditation increases the organization’s credibility with clients, communities, funders and partners. Surveyors focus on the organization’s use of the information it collects to improve the quality and safety of its services.

For more information about Accreditation Canada, please visit their website: www.accreditation.ca

Accreditation at Riverside
La Verendrye Hospital was first accredited in 1957. Following the amalgamation of the three facilities in 1983 (La Verendrye Hospital and Emo and Rainy River Health Centres) the first accreditation of the corporation was achieved in 1984. Successful accreditation status has been maintained ever since.

Contact: Director, Quality, Safety, Risk & Practice - Cindy Cole  (807) 274-3261 ext. 4714   c.cole@rhcf.on.ca