Health Services,

LRH exceeds accreditation

Latrobe Regional Health has been accredited in the nation’s top five per cent of hospitals for delivering high quality and safe care by a panel of independent assessors.

The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards awarded LRH accreditation through the rigorous National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards program, carried out every three years.

LRH met all 148 action items in the set of eight standards which included the safety and quality of clinical systems, governance, environment, and responding to the needs of the community.

LRH chief executive Don McRae said this accreditation confirmed LRH’s commitment to providing person-centred care to the community.

“The assessors told us we were in the top five per cent of hospitals. This gives our community clear confidence we are committed to delivering better care, everywhere for everyone,” Mr McRae said.

“We not only ticked boxes, we excelled. It was noted LRH is living up to every expectation exceedingly well, and we are proud to look after our patients, community and staff.”

All hospitals in Australia must pass this accreditation in order to keep the doors open and demonstrate how they have continued to improve their services between each assessment period.

A panel of eight assessors spent five days at LRH and regional community mental health services late last year to carry out the unannounced snap inspection.

They observed staff at work and held independent conversations with staff, patients and visitors.

The LRH research and clinical trials program was being assessed for the first time, with the panel describing it as “impressive” and on an “amazing trajectory”.

Mr McRae commended all staff for their contribution and thanked the community for its input.

“By listening to the community’s requirements and expectations we have identified and carried out valuable improvements,” Mr McRae said.

“The surveyors made it very clear they were impressed by the effectiveness of our governance, protocols, systems and quality activities.

“Each of them acknowledged the passion and enthusiasm of our staff and our strong consumer focus, which they said was embedded in departments, programs and projects.”