Northumberland Hills Hospital earns “exemplary” status
File Photo.
By Cecilia Nasmith
For the second consecutive time, Northumberland Hills Hospital has received the formal decision of Accreditation Canada that it has achieved Accreditation with Exemplary Status – the highest possible designation for an accredited organization through the hospital accreditation program.
Accreditation Canada is an independent not-for-profit organization that sets standards for quality and safety in health care, accrediting health organizations in Canada and around the world. Every four years, an Accreditation Canada team of surveyors is invited to NHH to evaluate the hospital on more than 2,700 standards relating to quality, safety, efficiency and inclusion.
NHH welcomed Accreditation Canada surveyors in March – a voluntary process – and got notification last week of the Exemplary Standing designation, which is awarded to “...organizations that go beyond Accreditation Canada's requirements and demonstrate excellence in quality improvement.”
The on-site peer surveyors explicitly commended NHH for its strong alignment with service-excellence standards, its consistent emphasis on people-centred care and interdisciplinary collaboration, and its focus on clear communication practices, supported by engaged clinical leadership and meaningful partnerships.
“Ensuring quality is central to the Board's mandate,” Board Chair Michael McAllister commented in the announcement.
“The NHH Board has strongly supported the hospital's participation in this important process, which offers an opportunity to highlight continuous quality improvement made across the organization since 2022, while also learning from others about evolving best practices.
“We appreciate the effort that went into achieving a second consecutive Exemplary Standing, and look forward to continued alignment with Accreditation Canada standards in the years ahead.”
NHH President and Chief Executive Officer Susan Walsh expressed pride in “our staff, physicians, midwives and volunteers, inclusive of our Board, Foundation, Auxiliary, and Patient and Family Advisory Council.
“This designation is the direct result of their hard work and unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care, even during a time of increased demand for our services and fiscal restraints in the health-care sector.
“I extend my congratulations and gratitude to the entire NHH team for showing up for our community each and every day.”
