Iqaluit’s health facilities seek to renew national accreditation

Iqaluit Health Services will receive a check-up next week as it seeks to renew its national accreditation.

The branch of Nunavut’s Health Department is responsible for Qikiqtani General Hospital as well as the city’s public health unit. Staff from Accreditation Canada will visit both sites from May 12 to 16 to survey staff, patients and community members.

“Speaking with the Accreditation Canada surveyors is optional,” said a news release issued by the Government of Nunavut. “Your care will not be impacted in any way and there will not be any disruption to healthcare services.”

Iqaluit Health Services’ current accreditation, received in 2015, expires this year.

Following past recommendations made by Accreditation Canada, the GN says it has:

• Improved safety measures to avoid injuries to hospital patients, such as falling when getting in and out of bed.
• Launched a pilot protocol to make sure antibiotics are given to patients using the latest science.
• Improved information sharing with patients and families for topics such as hand hygiene, patient safety, and client and staff rights and responsibilities.
• Reviewed and improved the Infection Prevention Control Program.
• Hired a full-time indeterminate quality assurance and risk management coordinator and a full time indeterminate infection prevention and control practitioner.