The Whanganui District Health Board has received three-year certification to provide health care services under section 26 of the Health and Disability Services Act 2001 at Wanganui Hospital.

 WDHB Chief Executive Julie Patterson says the three-year period is a reflection of the significant improvements made by the WDHB since their 2009 audit.

In November last year, 11 Telarc Quality Health auditors visited Whanganui District Health Board to audit the WDHB against Health and Disability Sector Standards.

WDHB Clinical Quality Coordinator Pip Matheson says every district health board and residential care facility undergoes regular certification audits. The results are reported to the Ministry of Health and any corrective actions must be implemented.
 
The Health and Disability Sector Standardsthat district health boards are tested against include a series of outcomes:
 

• Consumer Rights - Checking that consumers receive safe services of an appropriate standard that comply with consumer rights legislation such as Code of Rights.  Services are provided in a manner that is respectful of consumer rights, facilitates informed choice, minimises harm and acknowledges cultural and individual values and beliefs.

 

• Organisational Management – Consumers receive services that comply with legislation and are managed in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

 

• Continuum of Service Delivery – Consumers participate in and receive timely assessment, followed by services that are planned, coordinated and delivered in a timely and appropriate manner, consistent with current legislation.

 

• Safe and Appropriate Environment – Services are provided in a clean, safe environment that is appropriate to the age/needs of the consumer, ensures physical privacy is maintained, has adequate space and amenities to facilitate independence, is in a setting appropriate to the consumer group and meets the needs of people with disabilities.

 
Ms Matheson says auditors talk to patients and their families, interview staff, observe how staff relate to patients and read the comments staff have written in patients’ health records and findings. Auditors also check staff records to ensure staff are appropriately trained for their role and to look at policies and procedures to ensure they are based on best practice and are up to date.

“Telarc Quality Health report their findings to the Ministry which then determines the length of time to certify an organisation - taking into account the audit findings and other information they hold on the District Health Board,” Ms Matheson says.
 
“Certification can be given for up to five years but to my knowledge, this has never been achieved. One or two private providers have received certification for four years, but most District Health Boards receive certification for two or three years. Wanganui Hospital was certified for two in 2008. To be granted a three-year certification this time is significant.”

Ms Matheson says the auditors clocked up a total of 184 hours on site interviewing a total of 52 management and staff members, 36 patients and 20 patient relatives or friends. Twenty-seven staff records, 49 patient records and 52 medication records were reviewed.

“Having our services audited by an outside agency such as Telarc gives assurance to the public that the services we provide are appropriate, effective and efficient and are provided in a safe environment by appropriately trained and qualified staff,” Ms Matheson says.

 
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