PMH Receives National Accreditation Recognition
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that it recently received its national accreditation designation—its third since the health region was formed in 2012—following on-site surveys that took place in the region in May. Accreditation Canada affirmed PMH was successful meeting 97 per cent of surveyed criteria. PMH also met 23 out of 30 Required Organizational Practices (ROPs). Prairie Mountain Health CEO Treena Slate says Accreditation Canada’s Qmentum framework affects everyone in the organization and helps assess all aspects of operations, from Board and Leadership, to care and services, to infrastructure.
“The survey results reinforce what we know, and what we are so proud of, which is the professionalism of our staff, our accreditation teams, physicians and health partners who are dedicated to providing care to the patients, residents and clients that we serve,” Slate stated. “This designation demonstrates PMH’s commitment towards quality improvement efforts by continually monitoring, evaluating and enhancing all of our programs and services to provide better care within our region”.
Accreditation Canada, which conducted the on-site assessments May 26- May 31, helps improve outcomes through independent assessments against global standards. Some highlights noted within the final report included:
- The survey team, consisting of 17 surveyors from across Canada, evaluated PMH programs and services against 23 standards sets across 49 locations in multiple programs and services;
- Since the last review in 2022, surveyors noted PMH has successfully managed through the COVID-19 pandemic. The patient’s focus group recognized the efforts of the staff in supporting patients and the community throughout this unprecedented period;
- Stakeholder and health partner engagement was acknowledged and recognized. PMH works to obtain feedback from patients on their programs and services to advance quality care and ensure there is constant connections with individuals served;
- Recruitment and retention of staff remains a challenge. Surveyors noted the region continues to advance strategies to hire appropriate staff, often engaging in innovative approaches. Educational partners, municipal officials, and community partners recognize the challenges facing the organization while, at the same time, confirming the commitment that PMH has made to engage with them and deliver on shared solutions;
- Surveyors also noted the lack of a consistent electronic patient record across the system. Additional work is required to modernize medication administration systems.