NEWS UPDATE

December 2007

New Australian health care standards receive international recognition

The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) has received accreditation from the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) - the peak international health accreditation body - for its new EQuIP 4 standards.

The standards are used by the majority of Australian health care organisations to guide their safety and quality improvement efforts.

ACHS Chief Executive, Mr Brian Johnston commented today, “The updated standards strengthen the focus on safe delivery of clinical care and consumer expectations, so it’s encouraging to receive international recognition.”

The EQuIP 4 standards (which were developed via an extensive consultation with consumer representatives, government bodies, peak industry associations and colleges) increase the emphasis on issues such as the safe management of blood, falls prevention, continuity of care between health care providers and infection control.

In addition to the accreditation from ISQua ACHS members ‘voted with their feet’ and 63% of members elected to use these new standards prior to being required. The remaining organisations are currently transitioning to the new standards.

“Encouragingly there is also international interest in these standards, with hospitals in India, the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions choosing to seek accreditation under the EQuIP 4 standards. It is a sign of how well Australian health accreditation is regarded on the international stage,” concluded Mr Johnston.