Definition:
The Sustainability Module is a structured set of standards that guide health service organisations in embedding sustainability and climate resilience into their governance, leadership, and quality systems.
It complements existing national safety and quality standards, such as the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards.
Summary of the Standards
The Sustainability Module is organised around five key action areas.
Governance, Leadership and Culture
The governing body must provide leadership on sustainability and resilience, partner with consumers and communities, set priorities aligned with legislation, and monitor progress.
Evidence-based Care and Health Outcomes
Organisations are required to use governance systems to identify high-impact areas, review clinical practices, consider environmental impacts in decision-making, and redesign services to reduce harm.
Measurement and Quality Improvement
Sustainability and climate risk indicators must be integrated into quality improvement systems, with data used to enhance care quality.
Safety and Quality Training
The workforce should be equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement strategies that reduce environmental impact and climate risks, and to use relevant measures for ongoing improvement.
Communication and Partnerships
Organisations must support staff, patients, and communities to understand and participate in sustainability strategies, and transparently report on progress.
Assessment Process
To be eligible, organisations must be using one of the Commission’s safety and quality standards as their primary set of standards for the Module to add onto, such as:
• National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards
• National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards (NSQPCH)
• National Safety and Quality Mental Health Standards for Community Managed Organisations (NSQMHSCMO).
Assessment of this module will be conducted alongside assessment of the primary set of safety and quality standards, and a maturity scale rating will be used to evaluate how well a health service has integrated sustainability and resilience actions into its operations.
Assessment of this Module, under the maturity rating scale, does not have an impact on the accreditation status to the primary set of standards.
The ACHS Difference
EXPERT HELP & SUPPORT
A dedicated ACHS customer service professional will provide unlimited support and advice throughout the assessment process.
HIGHLY SKILLED ASSESSORS
ACHS has the largest cohort of experienced assessors, based in all Australian States and Territories and has demonstrated capacity across all sectors and services. Our assessor team are your main source of guidance and support during assessment time.
EASY-TO USE ONLINE TOOLS
User-friendly and secure accreditation tools to easily submit data online as part of the assessment preparation. Our integrated system will ensure seamless communications, minimal document upload, access to resources, news and training.
Next Steps >
ACHS is Australia’s most trusted and experienced healthcare accreditation service.
Contact us today to find out how we can support you integrate the Healthcare Sustainability and Resilience Module.
