30 January 2008

Eastern Health: only 4 of 21 accreditation requirements met

In the most recent accreditation review of Eastern Health, the authority met only four of 21 practices required for accreditation according to CBC News.

The report expressed concern that there were no regional policies for keeping track of patients' medications, as well as no regional procedure for sterilizing equipment and no policy on equipment maintenance.

The report highlighted problems with temperature controls, and how lab samples are taken and transported.

"The likelihood of improper samples reaching testing sites is high," said the report, which added, "incorrect results could lead to improper patient diagnosis and treatment."

The Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation conducted a site visit in September and issued the report in November 2007. CCHSA is an independent body that audits health service practice ac4ross Canada according to nationally accepted standards.

-srbp-