(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, February 22nd, 2018): Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is scheduled to undergo a robust independent re-assessment of its performance against recognized standards of best practice outlined under the Accreditation Canada International (ACI) Qmentum Program on June 11th -15th 2018.

ACI is one of only three accreditation bodies in the world, which focuses exclusively on health care services, and is acknowledged as the most-sought after accreditation organization for demonstrating a high level of compliance with rigorous standards. Successful facilities are awarded Gold, Platinum or Diamond status in accordance with the quality of service and care delivered to patients.

Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital has been accredited at the Diamond level since March 2012 and is currently one of the few Diamond accredited hospitals in the Caribbean. This is the highest level achievable under the international accreditation program.

During an ACI assessment, an external survey team dedicates five days to survey the Cheshire Hall and Cockburn Town Medical Centres. The three surveyors were recently declared to the organization. These trained peer reviewers will examine the hospital’s internal systems and processes, observe activities and gather data through interviews with patients and staff.

A full-site survey is carried out every three years to retain accreditation status. The performance of the health care facility is measured against 15 service standards and 32 required organizational practices (ROP’s) with an exhaustive criteria. These performance benchmarks focus on quality and safety throughout all aspects of the organization’s services including clinical care, governance, leadership and infrastructure.

Several readiness assessments were conducted within the past 12 months by an overseas independent consultant specializing in health care accreditation. These are periodically initiated by the local health care organization as an invaluable tool to provide an official measurement of its preparedness and progress related to standards, audits and action plans.

During the final months before an international health care accreditation assessment, there is even stronger internal cohesion and motivation to ensure there remains a continued adherence to clinical and administrative service standards and required organizational practices.

Interim Chief Executive Officer at InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital, Gaston Levac commented on the value of the highly anticipated assessment. Levac said: “It is an enormous accomplishment to obtain diamond status over two consecutive accreditation cycles, and our teams are enthusiastic and confident in our ability to achieve the highest ranking once again. These comprehensive reviews demonstrate our ability to remain compliant with best practices established by recognized accreditation bodies.”

He continued: “The consumer demand for accredited facilities and quality health care services continues to increase globally due to various industry factors including medical tourism. Therefore, accreditation acts as a quality assurance mechanism for patients, an emblem of distinction for the health care organization, and also ensures that we play our expected role in the national health care system.”