News

EGHS receives Accreditation for Aged Care Standards

17th June, 2009

Federal Member for Wannon, David Hawker last week congratulated the East Grampians Health Service, as he presented their renewed Accreditation Certificates from the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency. The facilities receiving the certificates were Lowe St Home in Ararat and Parkland House Hostel, Willaura and the Willaura Hospital Nursing Home.

Accreditation is the arrangement established by the Australian Government to verify that aged care homes provide quality care and services. There are 44 expected outcomes related to such things as continuous improvement, education, staff development, lifestyle and leisure, privacy and dignity, and regulatory requirements.

Visiting surveyors check that providers do the right thing, at the right time and the right way and this takes place every three years, with support visits on an annual basis to review the standards. This protects consumers by making sure high quality of service and care is provided.

In presenting the certificates Mr Hawker said: "We need more facilities like those provided in Ararat and Willaura by the East Grampians Health Service to provide the care that our frail and elderly so rightly deserve. Accreditation of a home is not granted lightly by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency - the organisation responsible for ensuring that all aged care homes provide a very high standard of care to all residents. Homes are inspected and rigorously assessed in terms of how they meet the 44 expected outcomes, and meeting and maintaining these standards is not always easy." 

"I particularly want to commend the hard work of Lowe St Manager Ms Jo Simmonds and Willaura Health Care Manager Mrs Chris Jordan, along with all their dedicated staff. Homes such as these could not function without the special efforts of these committed people, and I would also like to make a special mention of the local volunteers who regularly lend a hand," he said.

On accepting the renewal certificates both Jo and Chris acknowledged all staff, volunteers and residents who all contributed as a team to achieve all 44 standards. "This has been an excellent result and everyone involved in the process should be congratulated and feel very proud of our quality facilities, our care and service."