BHB awarded top level of accreditation
Monday 2 December 2019: Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) has achieved a decision of Accredited with Exemplary Standing, Accreditation Canada’s highest level of accreditation. The decision follows four years of quality and safety improvements, culminating in a weeklong onsite visit by independent surveyors in May.
Accreditation Canada is a non-profit organisation that works with the Ottawa-based Health Standards Organization, healthcare providers, policy makers and patients to improve the quality of health and social services. More than 1,000 health and social service organisations and 7,000 sites around the world have been accredited by Accreditation Canada with a goal of safer, high-quality healthcare. Accreditation Canada surveyors are volunteers who are healthcare professionals in senior clinical or administrative roles at other accredited organisations.
BHB CEO and President Venetta Symonds said: “I’m very proud of this result, which reflects the dedication and hard work our staff devotes to BHB’s quality and safety improvement projects in addition to their daily work of caring for our patients. The surveyors emphasised how much we’ve achieved at BHB over the last few years, and even in the six months prior to the survey.
“They applauded how we have used the Strategic Plan 2016-2021 at the centre of our planning across BHB, and how our extensive Clinical Services Plan serves as the anchor for our strategic goals.
“They cited our dedication to quality and safety improvement and training at all levels, especially initiatives like the introduction of daily bullet rounds on inpatient wards and more focused discharge planning, the significant reduction in pressure injuries, our commitment to early identification and treatment of sepsis, and our increasing engagement of patients and families in policy and process development. They recognised the involvement of our entire team in achieving these results.”
BHB Chief of Staff Michael Richmond, MD, said: “In Bermuda our hospitals are required by law to be accredited by an approved accrediting body. However, the most important part of the process is the opportunity to receive feedback and recommendations from the Accreditation Canada team and the surveyors based on the knowledge and insights they’ve gained from our peers across North America and around the world.
“Clinical and non-clinical teams across BHB have been collaborating with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Johns Hopkins Medicine International and other partners to identify and implement changes to our services, processes and policies. These changes are already having a significant impact on the quality and safety of our care, as evidenced by Accreditation Canada’s survey findings.”
Mrs Symonds added: “Achieving the highest level of accreditation does not mean we don’t have more work to do. The survey report highlights the things we’re doing well, but it also outlines areas we need to improve. Their advice, along with our other quality improvement partners, will help us along the journey to attaining our vision of Exceptional Care. Strong Partnerships. Healthy Community.
“One of our greatest resources on this journey is our patients and their loved ones. Their input on our services and care is invaluable in identifying the areas we fall short and helping us deliver the best possible care to every patient, every day. Our newly formed Patient and Family Advisory Council also provides advice on how we can implement or change processes to improve the patient experience. Thank you to the Council and to every member of the community who has taken the time to contact our unit managers and patient relations with their suggestions and concerns.”
From 13-17 May 2019, four independent surveyors assessed BHB against 26 sets of healthcare standards, 35 priority processes and 30 required organisational practices. They spent time at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre and three of BHB’s group homes, observing staff, reviewing documentation and policies, and interviewing staff, patients and community partners.
The surveyors’ findings were then reviewed thoroughly by the Accreditation Canada team before an accreditation decision and full report were issued.
“Accreditation Canada is committed to supporting organisations like Bermuda Hospitals Board, who offer safe and effective care with a focus on continuous improvement. We commend BHB for their outstanding achievement and their contributions to our goal of achieving quality health services for all,” noted Katerina Tarasova, Accreditation Canada’s executive director of international accreditation.
Accreditation Canada will continue to work with BHB throughout the four-year accreditation cycle, reviewing evidence related to unmet criteria, providing feedback, and monitoring standards and practices to ensure the organisation continues to perform at the expected level.
BHB has been accredited since the 1970s. This year marks the 13th onsite survey by Accreditation Canada. The next survey will be held in May 2023.
The accreditation report, decision letter and survey comparison table are available on the BHB website at bermudahospitals.bm > About BHB > Providing Safe Care.
Resources
- BHB Accreditation Canada Report
- BHB Accreditation Canada Decision Letter
- BHB Accreditation Survey Summary Comparison Table 2008-2019
- BHB Strategic Plan 2016-2021
- BHB Clinical Services Plan
- Accreditation Canada website
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement website
- Johns Hopkins Medicine International website
Archives
- 18 August - Baby Sarai born in the eye of Ernesto
- 29 July - BHB awards $190,000 in scholarships
- 18 July - No through traffic at KEMH on 20 July
- 20 June - No through traffic at KEMH on 21 June
- 10 June - No through traffic at KEMH on 12 June
- 30 May - BHB MRI service up and running
- 22 May - BHB’s MRI temporarily down
- 12 March - BHB celebrates World Kidney Day
- 29 February - Generous donation after life-saving cardiac care
- 3 January - Bermuda’s first baby of 2024 is born
- 25 December - Two babies born on Christmas Day
- 18 December - Scott Pearman appointed as BHB CEO from January 2024
- 15 December - Only visit your loved ones in hospital if you feel well
- 29 November - Green is good for your mental wellness
- 22 November - Donation brings new treatment for enlarged prostate
- 17 November - BHB resumes pre-COVID visiting hours
- 10 November - BHB histopathology tests and post-mortem reports
- 29 September - BHB turns on pink lights
- 18 September - BHB to host free Falls Prevention Mini Expo
- 13 July - Blood donor raffle winners announced
- 24 May - Free CPR training could save a life
- 27 February - Faster and more efficient laundry now in operation
- 6 January - KEMH welcomes first babies of 2023
- 3 January - BHB looks forward to PEARL benefits
- 28 December - BHB COVID update
- 25 December - Three babies born on Christmas Day
- 22 December - BHB jobs fair attracts over 300
- 21 December - Community initiative for old St. James’ Church rectory
- 5 December - BHB updates COVID guidelines
- 1 December - O positive blood donors urgently needed
- 30 November - BHB shines green light for mental health awareness
- 17 November - BHB Traffic Advisory for Monday 21 November 2022
- 13 November - PEARL Implementation Update
- 9 November - O positive blood donors needed
- 3 November - Local newborn makes BHB history
- 29 October - PEARL Go-Live Milestone Celebrated
- 27 October - BHB prepares for PEARL’s implementation
- 19 October - Urgent call for blood donations
- 12 October - HAB donates biomedical van
- 10 October - Residents rate their mental health
- 30 September - Pink lights at KEMH for breast cancer awareness
- 27 September - BHB welcomes new chief hospital information officer
- 23 September - KEMH welcomes baby during hurricane force winds
- 20 September - BHB’s electronic medical record to go live in October
- 20 September - BHB Public Advisory: the hyperbaric chamber has reopened
- 6 September - BHB awards $100,000 in scholarships to eight students
- 9 August - Donate blood and win a ride on a Whip
- 24 July - BHB laundry gets $6.6 million upgrade
- 3 February - BHB CT scan service has resumed
- 27 January - BHB and Brown Darrell collaborate on CT service
- 9 December - BHB COVID-19 Remembrance Tree
- 30 November - BHB turns on green light for mental health awareness
- 2 November - BHB to ease visiting restrictions starting Wednesday
- 22 October - BHB moves to Disaster Alert Level 3
- 18 October - Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre resumes normal hours
- 28 September - BHB morgue service impacted by the pandemic
- 17 September - BHB Moves to Highest Alert Level
- 7 September - BHB visitor restrictions reintroduced due to delta surge
- 27 July - HSBC brings Cup Match magic to BHB
- 22 July - BHB cautiously opens up to more visitors
- 21 July - BHB announces breast ultrasound service
- 9 July - Blood donor winners announced
- 13 May - BHB releases BE KIND logo
- 30 March - BHB update in response to COVID-19 surge
- 24 February - BHB Food Services team completes nutrition course
- 2 February - UCC returns to longer weekday hours
- 1 February - Preston Swan takes on acting COO role
- 26 January - More visitors allowed from 27 January
- 18 January - Mental Health Act Code of Practice now available
- 18 January - Bermuda Hospitals Board COVID-19 vaccination update
- 15 January - BHB pilots thermal detectors at its entrances
- 8 January - Why I will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine
- 6 January - New year’s baby makes a late appearance
- 29 December - Update on BHB Long Term Care COVID-19 Cases
- 24 December - BHB Confirms Two Patient Cases in Long Term Care Area
- 23 December - Call for new blood donors to help over the holidays
- 17 December - Dr Wesley Miller appointed as BHB chief of staff
- 14 December - Lamb Foggo UCC Winter Weekday Hours
- 13 December - BHB gives mental health the green light
- 27 November - BHB response to 27 November Royal Gazette article
- 27 October - BHB celebrates Stroke Awareness Week
- 5 August - Agape House maintenance In August
- 24 July - Road closure at KEMH on 27 July
- 21 July - Dr Michael Richmond appointed as BHB CEO
- 2 June - BHB moves to limited visitation
- 19 May - A COVID-19 birthday story
- 29 April - Please wear a mask to the hospital
- 15 April - Police, Fire and Regiment salute KEMH staff
- 13 April - KEMH creates more isolation rooms
- 8 April - Ace Barber Unit converted for pandemic
- 20 March - Only essential visiting now allowed at BHB
- 18 February - BHB releases internal management accounts data
- 18 February - BHB road traffic accident statistics for January 2020
- 31 January - Winter hours at Lamb Foggo UCC extended to February
- 6 January - BHB seeks students for 2020 summer programme
- 1 January - BHB welcomes first babies of 2020
- 2 December - BHB awarded top level of accreditation
- 26 September - World Heart Day: BHB offers free CPR training
- 19 September - BHB welcomes Storm
- 16 September - Hurricane Emergency Kit Guide for Diabetes Patients
- 10 September - 2019 Scholarship Winners Announced
- 4 September - BHB CEO Notifies of Early Retirement in 2020
- 14 August - Improved diabetes management for inpatients
- 16 April - BHB celebrates occupational health nurses
- 25 March - BHB implements hand hygiene audit
- 11 March - Public Advisory: KEMH through road closure
- 22 February - KEMH asphalt resurfacing works
- 6 February - Public Advisory: KEMH roof sealing works
- 5 February - Red Cross Donates Scooter to Gordon Ward Residents
- 22 January - BHB Public Advisory on the Flu
- 5 December - Bermuda Blood Donor Centre thanks polo shirt donors
- 23 October - Walk-in Mammography Day on Thursday
- 12 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board offers free hands-only CPR training
- 26 February - Bermuda Hospitals Board now offers Cardiac CT Scanning
- 14 February - A Valentine’s gift for regular blood donors
- 25 December - Bermuda Hospitals Board welcomes Christmas baby 2017
- 24 November - Public Advisory: Lamb Foggo UCC closed this weekend
- 18 October - KEMH Mammography Department puts breast health first
- 16 October - Bermuda Hospitals Board Traffic Advisory
- 19 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board launches island-wide asthma campaign
- 14 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board has two certified dementia trainers
- 14 September - Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre closed this weekend
- 23 March - CEO Venetta Symonds on bed capacity at KEMH
- 17 March - Corporate Blood Drive competition heats up
- 22 February - Lamb Foggo UCC to reopen 1 March
- 1 February - Ms Patrice Dill leaves BHB
- 24 January - BHB introduces Patient-Centred Medical Home
- 20 January - Community invited to open up about BHB services
- 2 January - BHB welcomes New Year’s baby
- 26 December - BHB welcomes Christmas baby
- 22 December - Notice: Holiday hours at UCC and Emergency Department
- 3 December - King’s College urologist joins BHB
- 6 November - BHB focuses on ethics and youth
- 10 October - Being Alive
- 28 September - General Wing Lobby Doors Closed on Thursday 29 September
- 27 September - END OF FISCAL YEAR (2015/16) UPDATE
- 16 September - Urgent Care Centre Closure this Weekend
- 7 September - BHB Update on the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre
- 1 September - Outpatient clinics at KEMH have moved
- 5 August - New hours at Craig Appin House reception
- 25 July - Call for O Negative Blood Donations
- 24 July - Agape House has reopened
- 21 July - BHB Releases CEO Salary Data
- 15 July - BHB Releases 2012 Annual Report
- 16 May - BHB releases salary data
- 4 May - Teen suicide public debate
- 27 April - Dr Keith Chiappa Appointed as Chief of Staff
- 22 February - Agape House 25th anniversary
- 10 February - Update on Genito-Urinary Cancer Care
- 8 February - Blood Donor Centre request to recent donors
- 3 February - BHB Rehabilitation Day Hospital temporarily moved
- 3 February - MRI service at BHB has resumed
- 2 February - Agape House now in Curtis Ward
- 12 January - Kiwanis Clubs Donate $21,000 To Maternity
- 6 January - MRI service interruption
- 5 January - BHB to demolish two buildings on KEMH campus
- 30 December - BHB Posts Hospital-Wide Accreditation Report to Website
- 5 October - Hurricane Joaquin babies at KEMH
- 28 September - MWI sewage treatment plant completed
- 14 September - Acute Care Wing first anniversary – shorter hospital stays
- 18 June - Second Oncologist Joins BHB
- 21 May - BHB Spring Talent Showcase
- 15 April - CCU patients have a new home in KEMH
- 16 February - BHB to dispose of condemned items
- 12 February - Bermuda Hospitals 2014 Update
- 5 February - Operating Rooms now in the Maternity Ward
- 14 September - Emergency Department opens in new Acute Care Wing
- 4 September - Acute Care Wing opens next week
- 29 August - Letter to the Editor of The Royal Gazette
- 12 August - Acute Care Wing opens next month
- 22 July - Tour D´oeuvres and Public Tours
- 15 July - Chance to win a tour of the new wing
- 4 July - Consultant Geriatrician Appointed
- 19 June - BHB mount exhibition
- 9 June - Retiring Blood Donors Honoured
- 15 May - The Back-up generators
- 28 April - We´re connected!
- 21 April - Acute Care Wing: – new features on the face
- 16 April - Atrium- Bringing light to the interior
- 10 April - The New Emergency Department
- 13 February - BHB introduces Eddie the Elephant
- 30 January - Road Works on Point Finger Road this weekend
- 27 January - BHB announce revised opening date
- 16 January - Craneiom comes down
- 7 January - New Chief of Pathology Appointed
- 29 November - Urgent Care Centre Hours Confirmed
- 28 November - Dr Sam Mir Appointed Director of Cardiology
- 14 November - Chairman, CEO speak at Sandys Rotary
- 1 November - BHB Goes Back to Ethics Basics
- 31 October - Quarterly BHB Update – October 2013
- 15 October - New Acute Care Wing Construction Update
- 10 September - CEO and Chairman Speak at Hamilton Rotary
- 6 September - Planned Power Outage at MWI this Weekend
- 26 August - New temporary pedestrian entrance to KEMH
- 24 July - BHB Board Update – 24 July 2013
- 30 April - New Chief of Staff Appointed
- 5 February - Auditor General Informs BHB of Review
- 1 November - BHB Tackles Healthcare Ethics in the Digital Age
- 8 October - Mental Health Awareness Week Tackles Depression
- 2 October - Clinical & Corporate Governance Review Update
- 27 September - Voices Against Stigma: MindFrame PhotoVoice 2012 Launches
- 19 September - BHB´s 2011 Annual Report Released
- 7 August - Chief of Human Resources Appointed
- 16 February - BHB Sees Patient Satisfaction with Services Rise
- 16 February - New CT Scanner Provides Faster and More Accurate Results
- 10 February - Road Works Planned for South Shore
- 31 January - Hospital Marks Healthy Heart Month
- 22 November - Bermuda Hospitals Board Achieves Full Accreditation
- 7 November - Hospital Celebrates Advances in Diagnostic Imaging
- 27 October - Ethics Week 2011 Offers Food For Thought
- 12 August - Venetta Symonds To Be BHB CEO from 7 April 2012
- 6 April - Construction Begins
- 23 November - MindFrame PhotoVoice Exhibition Winners Announced
- 28 October - MWI Host Mental Health Forum for Community
- 28 October - Ethics Week Keeps it Confidential
- 13 October - Premier Visits Site of New Hospital Facility
- 10 September - BHB evaluates three bids
- 4 June - Parking Lot Takes Shape
- 4 May - KEMH Hosts Asthma Day Open House
- 26 March - Site preparation work begins
- 18 March - New Online Applications Process for BHB Jobs
- 23 December - Specifications for New Facilities Complete
- 23 December - BHB Releases Request for Proposal to Shortlisted Bidders
- 28 October - BHB Approves Shortlist of Qualified Bid Teams
- 27 October - New Chief of Nursing, Quality & Risk Appointed
- 14 October - Specifications Take Shape
- 10 September - New Director of Facilities Appointed
- 3 September - New Ambulance Fleet Unveiled
- 1 September - Pembroke Rotary Helps MWI Clients Snap into Action
- 25 August - Hospital Appoints Psychiatrists at MWI
- 29 July - Advisory Teams Evaluate KEMH Site
- 24 June - Robot Enhances Patient Care
- 11 June - World Blood Donor Day- June 14
- 8 May - Market Briefing Presentation
- 30 April - KEMH Hosts World Asthma Day Fair
- 16 March - Redevelopment Update
- 3 February - Presentation To Contractors
- 3 February - Presentation To Architects & Engineers
- 2 February - Hospital Opens New Pilot Patient Rooms
- 12 November - Johns Hopkins Phase II Report Released
- 20 October - Hospital Launches Infection Prevention Week
- 16 October - Mind Frame Art Exhibit Opens at City Hall
- 14 October - BHB Invests to Strengthen Nursing
- 29 July - Mother Support: Going for the Gold
- 27 March - Hospital Improves Laundry Service
- 23 January - Hospital Switchboard Undergoes 2-Hour Upgrade
- 20 December - New Director of Human Resources Appointed
- 27 November - Opening the Doors to Wound Care
- 11 October - Mind Frame Art Exhibit Opens at City Hall
- 6 September - Emergency Department Staff Receive Specialized Training
- 21 August - Dr Donald Thomas Appointed as Chief of Staff
- 15 February - Single Largest Donor Funds Improvements at Hospitals
- 1 February - Have You the Heart to Find Out Your Risk?
- 22 November - Day Hospital Provides Rehabilitative Services
- 17 October - Bermuda Hospitals Board Update on Estate Master Plan
- 16 October - Infection Control Week – It’s In Your Hands
- 9 October - Mental Health Awareness Week 2006
- 26 September - Deputy CEO Comments on Bermuda Hospitals Board Next Steps
- 21 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Changes First Public Meeting Venue
- 20 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Public Meetings
- 18 September - Safer and Faster X-ray Service Now Available to Patients
- 7 September - Community Open Houses to be Held at KEMH
- 10 July - BHB and BPSU Reach Three Year Agreement
- 21 February - Bermuda Hospitals Board Appoints Acting CEO
- 30 December - BHB Chairman Steps Down
- 12 September - Community Newsletter Available to Island Residents
- 6 September - Bermuda Hospitals Board Awarded Three-Year Accreditation
- 30 August - BHB Chairman Addresses Hamilton Rotary Club
- 7 April - Hospitals Launch New Web Site
- 1 November - November is Hospice Awareness Month in Bermuda
- 8 October - DEPRESSION
- 8 October - Schizophrenia
- 8 October - Substance Use
- 8 October - ANXIETY
- 7 October - Learning Disability
- 6 October - CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH
- 6 October - CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION
- 5 October - Bermuda’s Mental Health Awareness Week
- 4 October - STIGMA AND MENTAL HEALTH