Improving the quality of health care in Australia
The primary aim of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standard is to protect the public from harm and improve the quality of health care.
A second version of the NSQHS Standard now includes mental health and cognitive impairment, health literacy, end-of-life care, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Health service organisations are required to use an approved accrediting agency to receive accreditation to the NSQHS Standards.
For public health organisations
Accreditation to the NSQHS Standards is mandatory for all hospitals, day procedure services and the majority of public dental services.
For private health organisations
Private health service organisations can voluntarily undertake NSQHS Standards accreditation and can be assessed via their relevant health department.
Benefits of accreditation
The many benefits of obtaining the NSQHS Standard accreditation include:
- To communicate your commitment to safety and quality to your patients
- To reduce the risk of potential incidents
- To improve the everyday running of your practice
- To give your practice effective marketing leverage through endorsement
The accreditation process involves the documentation of existing practices procedures and improving them where necessary to make sure they meet the required standards. Often, these improvements are minor and enhance practice performance.
By defining and documenting your existing processes, HMED can help your practice to transition to and implement the revised NSQHS standards.