All health care organisations have a responsibility for providing quality care. Furthermore, every individual within the organisation has a responsibility to the patients, clients, and their families and the general community to ensure continuing quality improvement. The philosophy of continuing improvement is fundamental to the way in which services are provided at The Park- Centre for Mental Health and ongoing external review and evaluation of Quality Improvement initiatives reflect commitment to the provision of quality care.
The Evaluation and Quality Improvement Program (EQuIP) was introduced as an accreditation program in 1997. It represents an important milestone in the continuing partnership between the Australian Council on Health Care Standards (ACHS) and health care organisations. These standards underpin and provide a framework for quality improvement in health care and are designed to focus on essential elements of quality care as well as the organisational functions that are integral to supporting the provision of this care. Specific organisational functions addressed by the standards at The Park- Centre for Mental Health are:
Achieving Accreditation in 2002...
The Park- Centre for Mental Health's Service Improvement Unit oversees accreditation compliance activities and provides regular progress reports to the ACHS. In 2002, The Park underwent an ACHS accreditation survey. This survey reviewed our compliance with the EQuIP standards and the National Standards for Mental Health Services (NSMHS). Through this survey process, The Park successfully achieved four-year accreditation status.
The accreditation surveyors stated they were impressed with our Model of Service Delivery, in particular its strong consumer focus in that 'its philosophy is well thought-out and shows respect and concern for consumers and their varying needs'. In assessing the Centre's achievements and progress in the area of Continuum of Care, surveyors congratulated staff on work that was 'evidence-based and energetically researched'. The surveyors spoke highly of the strong leadership examples established, the strategic and operational planning, and the extensive consultation with others in creating The Park- Centre for Mental Health.
They summarised their assessment of The Park- Centre for Mental Health by stating "...it is an organisation where people, staff and consumers alike strive to achieve their highest potential, and have succeeded in no small measure".
This assessment was re-affirmed in a periodic review undertaken in April 2004 as part of the continuous quality improvement cycle.
In 2005, The Park completed a self-assessment of its quality initiative and will undergo a comprehensive assessment for re-accreditation in 2006.
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