Monday, May 26, 2014
PRH Celebrates High Score in Lab Accreditation
The Pembroke Regional Hospital’s lab staff has something to celebrate after receiving a score of more than 96% in a recent accreditation audit.
“We’re very proud of the 33 staff members in this department who have received such wonderful results,” said Sabine Mersmann, Vice-President of Patient Services – Seniors and Community Care at PRH.
“While much of the work of our lab team happens behind the scenes, everything that they do is vital to the care we provide at the hospital and their results are a true testament to the commitment and expertise of all involved,” Mrs. Mersmann said, adding that while the staff is now under the umbrella of the Eastern Ontario Laboratory Association (EORLA), they are still considered to be an important part of the hospital’s healthcare team and were celebrated for their stellar accreditation results with a special reception held May 22nd.
The Ontario Laboratory Accreditation (OLA) audit was conducted last month and was performed by a team of peers from similar labs throughout the province who are experts in laboratory operations and accreditation.
The audit team reviewed the lab’s quality systems, ensuring that the correct policies and procedures were in place and evaluating how staff carried them out, in addition to inspecting the lab, interviewing lab staff and watching them work.
To appreciate the level of excellence the local results represent, it is important to note that the accreditation audit took into account 476 detailed international standards of operation (ISO) for quality management and best practices. This includes areas such as documentation, equipment calibrations, product handling and everything in between.
“The team of assessors commended the Lab team on their depth of knowledge and experience, as well as their dedication to patient care,” said Anna Schlieper, Regional Laboratory Operations Manager who oversees the Lab team at PRH on behalf of the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA). “As a new manager to this lab, I am privileged to work with and learn from such an experienced team.”
And Dr. Matthew Henderson, Lab Director and Consultant Biochemist for the Pembroke Regional Hospital said that, “As well as being a requirement for licensing, the accreditation audit confirms that the labs are providing safe and effective lab services for patients, and provides feedback and ways in which the labs can improve. Accreditation takes place every four years so it is a continuous process and planning for the next audit typically begins where the last one ends.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Carolyn Levesque, Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator
Pembroke Regional Hospital
(613) 732-3675, ext. 6165 / carolyn.levesque@pemreghos.org
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